BirdLife Malta

Founded in 1962, BirdLife Malta (BLM) is the oldest environmental organisation in Malta, whose mission is to conserve wild birds, their habitats and biodiversity, working with people towards sustainability in the use of natural resources. For more than 50 years, BLM has been an advocate for the protection of Maltese wildlife engaging Maltese people in their natural environment, and ensuring a natural legacy is left for the next generation. We take a stand to protect Malta’s wildlife from damaging developments and we work for stronger legislation to protect Europe’s birds. Our activities include conservation, habitat management and restoration, species protection and monitoring, scientific research, people engagement, environmental education, campaigning (advocacy and policy), and communications work. Through our community engagement projects and our nature reserves we create homes for nature and safe places for both migratory and resident birds. We also monitor spring and autumn migration with the aims of deterring, detecting and reporting the illegal persecution of protected birds. This is achieved through research, data analysis, education, advocacy and communications actions which are all integral part of BirdLife’s annual conservation strategy. BLM’s education mission is to connect people with nature. Both our formal and informal programmes lay emphasis on experiential learning which offers direct, physical, sensory and intellectual ways of developing a relationship with the world we depend on for our survival. We aim to educate everyone about the importance of birds and nature, with specific target groups being primary school children, university students, families, international visitors plus academics, local businesses, environmental organisations and governmental institutions. Our school projects and environmental awareness remain a top priority because of our belief that inculcating a respect for nature at an early stage can prevent future environmental degradation and abuse. The communication team is committed to raising awareness and inspiring interest about the amazing lives of birds, the beauty of their precious habitats and the need to protect them both for a sustainable environment. To achieve this, BLM communications department works to engage local and international audiences through regular, creative and informative content and outreach activities. As a department, the communications team also strive to work within all areas of the local community by holding nature-themed events which leave people with long-lasting and positive memories. Our social media keeps the public informed about upcoming events that we organise regularly for all age groups.