The Federation for Hunting and Conservation – Malta (FKNK) said Wednesday it considers the General Environment Bill amendment to the Constitution (Article 45A), which was proposed by Nationalist MP Darren Carabott, to be totally unacceptable.
Article 45A defines environment very broadly to include air, water, land, ecosystems, biodiversity, natural resources and also social and cultural conditions, FKNK said. The same article allows any person in Malta, regardless of personal interest, to take legal action if the right to a healthy environment is threatened or violated.
“Such legal challenges could be used to introduce stricter regulations and enforcement, or even to abolish various hobbies, traditions, social customs, sports, recreations and other Maltese practices,” FKNK said.
The proposed amendment would empower the Civil or Constitutional Court to order urgent measures if it deems a breach of environmental law to be serious. This could mean that the courts could suspend activities such as hunting and trapping in certain areas or seasons if they are considered to cause significant environmental damage, the FKNK said.