2015 Maltese spring hunting referendum

Coat of arms of Malta

2015 Maltese Spring Hunting Referendum

The 2015 Maltese Spring Hunting Referendum was a significant event in Malta's political and environmental history, taking place on April 11, 2015. This referendum asked the Maltese population to vote on whether to abolish the traditional spring hunting of turtle doves and quail on the islands. Spring hunting had been a contentious issue in Malta for many years, balancing between cultural traditions and environmental conservation efforts.

Background

Malta, a small island nation in the Mediterranean, has a long-standing tradition of hunting and trapping wild birds, including during the spring migration period when birds travel from Africa to Europe to breed. The practice has been criticized by both local and international conservation groups, arguing that it threatens biodiversity and violates European Union bird conservation laws. The European Union's Birds Directive generally prohibits the hunting of birds during their breeding season, but Malta had been granted derogations allowing limited spring hunting under strict regulations.

The Referendum

The question posed to voters was straightforward: "Do you agree that the spring hunting of turtle doves and quails should be abolished?" This came after a successful petition campaign by conservationist groups, which gathered enough signatures to trigger the referendum under Maltese law.

Campaign

The campaign period saw vigorous debate between the "Yes" camp, which advocated for the abolition of spring hunting to protect migrating birds, and the "No" camp, which argued for the preservation of the tradition, citing its cultural significance and the regulated nature of the hunt. Both sides utilized various forms of media and public demonstrations to sway voters.

Results

The referendum resulted in a narrow victory for the "No" camp, with 50.4% of voters opting to keep spring hunting, against 49.6% who voted against it. The turnout was 74.8% of eligible voters, reflecting the high level of public interest in the issue.

Aftermath

The result of the referendum was seen as a victory for hunters and those advocating for the preservation of Maltese traditions. However, it also highlighted the deep divisions within Maltese society on environmental issues. In the years following the referendum, the debate over bird hunting and conservation in Malta has continued, with ongoing legal challenges and efforts to find a balance between tradition and environmental protection.

See Also

• Wildlife conservation
• Referendums in Malta
• European Union environmental policy