ESC: Nature Reserves Visitor Assistant

BirdLife Malta (BLM) has become the leading professional nature conservation organization in Malta with a compliment of 29 fulltime dedicated staff (18 employed and 11 seconded). BLM is a partner organisation of BirdLife International, a network of 120 NGOs worldwide, and with the aim of creating a united voice, for local and international wildlife. BLM is growing steadily, mostly through the implementation of externally funded projects, corporate partnerships, as well as through volunteering programmes via the European Solidarity Corps. Aims: Founded in 1962, BirdLife Malta (BLM) is the oldest environmental organisation in Malta, whose aim is to conserve wild birds, their habitats and biodiversity, educate and work with people towards sustainable development. Main activities: BLM’s aim is achieved through work in a variety of fields including research, education, conservation, policy and campaigning. BLM has been instrumental in the creation of three of the island’s most important nature reserves, which BLM now manages and was also responsible for the largest afforestation project aimed to recreate Malta’s Mediterranean woodland to support wildlife. BLM is also an effective campaigning and engagement organisation, closely monitoring activities that threaten protected wild birds, as well as unsustainable urban development, or pollution from ships on the Maltese islands. Malta’s position along the Central Mediterranean Flyway and its seabird colonies make the islands a key site for bird conservation in Europe. Conservation priorities therefore include actions aimed at protecting areas important for seabirds and migratory species (e.g. by eradicating invasive species), as well as addressing unsustainable exploitation (hunting and trapping, both legal and illegal) of migratory birds. Ensuring the effective management of Natura 2000 sites is a top priority too, along with advocating for EU reform on other relevant policies (such as the Birds and Habitats Directive). Developing Mediterranean capacity to identify marine IBAs (important bird areas), and to control or eradicate invasive species damaging biodiversity is a shared priority across Europe, as well as sustainable fisheries to avoid bycatch of seabirds. BLM’s strength arises from the fact that it has been operating for almost 60 years and, through the delivery of good research-based conservation and management of priority sites, backed up by people engagement. It has become a strong name on the islands with scientific data at hand, a strong lobby and voice for the environment, and enough experience in project management and land/site management to be entrusted with the management of various important sites for biodiversity in the Maltese Islands. Another strength and focus of the organisation is the long term commitment towards environmental education in a formal setting in schools, but also through non-formal and informal engagement. Currently, Dinja Waħda (meaning One World) BLM’s environmental education programme run in collaboration with the Education Department is reaching nearly 75% of schools in the Maltese islands. Dinja Waħda’s mission is to connect children with nature and trigger behavioural changes that will lead to future adults who will treat our planet better than we do today through engaging environmental education activities. Target groups BLM’s in involving and educating people of all ages, from early years to adulthood. At the core, BLM is involving young people as much as possible both within and outside the organisation, as they are the generation empowered to act now for the sustainable development of our society. Additionally, though ESC projects we are also reaching the wider community and local, national and international level.