Malta is renowned as a “blackspot” for illegal bird hunting. This article describes Malta’s current enforcement efforts which, assisted by the Army, and surveillance technology such as drones, and have likely led to a reduction in crime. However, this article also describes how current conservation policies are being counterproductive. They are fostering a culture of suspicion and distrust between hunters, environmental NGOs, and the state, which, in turn, drives further surveillance. This increase has encouraged some hunters to take their hunting abroad, especially to countries were laws and enforcement are weaker, with larger impacts n biodiversity. This article reinforces the need to go beyond a focus on increased enforcement, especially when taking into account the impacts of regulation across multiple jurisdictions.
Paper is available HERE!
