Antonia Micallef
@amicallef.bsky.social
Public Engagement Executive @birdlifemalta.bsky.social
Former video journalist skilled in storytelling, video, photo & audio editing.
Former video journalist skilled in storytelling, video, photo & audio editing.
Reposted by Antonia Micallef
BirdLife Malta’s scientific research and evidence-based studies have once again delivered results, securing stronger protection for vital natural sites for the benefit of our country.
#MaltaSPAs #LIFEPanPuffinus #BirdLifeMalta www.independent.com.mt/articles/202...
#MaltaSPAs #LIFEPanPuffinus #BirdLifeMalta www.independent.com.mt/articles/202...
St Paul’s Islands and Northern Cliffs receive highest level of protection - The Malta Independent
St Paul's Islands (Selmunett) and the stretch of cliffs from iċ-Ċumnija to ix-Xaqqa have officially been declared Special Protection Areas (SPA), strengthening their existing status as
www.independent.com.mt
November 23, 2025 at 7:23 PM
BirdLife Malta’s scientific research and evidence-based studies have once again delivered results, securing stronger protection for vital natural sites for the benefit of our country.
#MaltaSPAs #LIFEPanPuffinus #BirdLifeMalta www.independent.com.mt/articles/202...
#MaltaSPAs #LIFEPanPuffinus #BirdLifeMalta www.independent.com.mt/articles/202...
Reposted by Antonia Micallef
Read BirdLife Malta’s reaction, to the European Commission’s announcement opening a new infringement procedure against Malta over the latest finch-trapping derogation.
birdlifemalta.org/2025/11/bird...
birdlifemalta.org/2025/11/bird...
BirdLife Malta welcomes new infringement action as Commission calls on Malta to comply with EU Birds Directive | BirdLife Malta
EU opens new infringement case against Malta over unlawful finch trapping as BirdLife Malta urges compliance with the Birds Directive.
birdlifemalta.org
November 22, 2025 at 9:13 AM
Read BirdLife Malta’s reaction, to the European Commission’s announcement opening a new infringement procedure against Malta over the latest finch-trapping derogation.
birdlifemalta.org/2025/11/bird...
birdlifemalta.org/2025/11/bird...
Here’s my latest feature in The Malta Independent on Sunday. As long as these detrimental policy choices persist, no political party can credibly claim to support environmental conservation.
#nature #conservation
#nature #conservation
Emptying the sky: #Malta’s commitment to #bird #conservation is in decline.
From #trapping disguised as “research” to weakened enforcement and plans to constitutionally protect hunting, policies continue to favour exploitation over preservation.
Read more: www.independent.com.mt/articles/202...
From #trapping disguised as “research” to weakened enforcement and plans to constitutionally protect hunting, policies continue to favour exploitation over preservation.
Read more: www.independent.com.mt/articles/202...
Emptying the sky: Malta’s declining commitment to bird conservation - The Malta Independent
Malta's strategic position along the central Mediterranean flyway makes it a vital stopover for migratory birds. Yet over the past decade, a succession of policy decisions has gradually eroded
www.independent.com.mt
November 9, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Here’s my latest feature in The Malta Independent on Sunday. As long as these detrimental policy choices persist, no political party can credibly claim to support environmental conservation.
#nature #conservation
#nature #conservation
Reposted by Antonia Micallef
The @ec.europa.eu confirms it has not endorsed Malta’s so-called research derogation for finch trapping, reinforcing that the previous ruling still stands.
👉 Read more: birdlifemalta.org/2025/11/euro...
👉 Read more: birdlifemalta.org/2025/11/euro...
European Commission confirms that finch-trapping derogation is not in line with the European Court of Justice ruling | BirdLife Malta
EU clarifies it has not endorsed Malta’s finch-trapping derogation, warning of possible legal action if EU Birds Directive rules are breached.
birdlifemalta.org
November 1, 2025 at 11:57 AM
The @ec.europa.eu confirms it has not endorsed Malta’s so-called research derogation for finch trapping, reinforcing that the previous ruling still stands.
👉 Read more: birdlifemalta.org/2025/11/euro...
👉 Read more: birdlifemalta.org/2025/11/euro...
Reposted by Antonia Micallef
Despite 2 ECJ rulings confirming finch trapping is illegal Malta again allows the capture of finches, Golden Plovers & Song Thrushes under the guise of “research”. We launched a tool showing authorised trapping sites. Use it to check locations & report illegal activity
www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/v...
www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/v...
Malta’s 2025 Autumn Trapping Season – WBRU Registered Sites - Google My Maps
1,641 sites are authorised to trap Golden Plover and Song Thrush (Blue & White Dots), while 2,932 are authorised to 'research' finches (Red & White Dots)
www.google.com
October 23, 2025 at 12:16 PM
Despite 2 ECJ rulings confirming finch trapping is illegal Malta again allows the capture of finches, Golden Plovers & Song Thrushes under the guise of “research”. We launched a tool showing authorised trapping sites. Use it to check locations & report illegal activity
www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/v...
www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/v...
Reposted by Antonia Micallef
ADPD - The Green Party has raised concerns over recent legal changes that could undermine #Malta’s natural heritage and biodiversity.
The statement mentions amendments in bird ringing rules removing the link to the #EURING network, represented locally by BirdLife Malta.
adpd.mt/the-maltese-...
The statement mentions amendments in bird ringing rules removing the link to the #EURING network, represented locally by BirdLife Malta.
adpd.mt/the-maltese-...
The Maltese Government hates Maltese natural heritage and biodiversity - ADPD
The Maltese Government hates Maltese natural heritage and biodiversity. Together with its plans to weaken land use planning laws, it is also failing to protect biodiversity and continuously seeks new...
adpd.mt
October 21, 2025 at 5:24 PM
ADPD - The Green Party has raised concerns over recent legal changes that could undermine #Malta’s natural heritage and biodiversity.
The statement mentions amendments in bird ringing rules removing the link to the #EURING network, represented locally by BirdLife Malta.
adpd.mt/the-maltese-...
The statement mentions amendments in bird ringing rules removing the link to the #EURING network, represented locally by BirdLife Malta.
adpd.mt/the-maltese-...
BirdLife Malta condemns PM Robert Abela for weakening #bird ringing laws to disguise illegal trapping as science - a disgrace to #conservation.
We strongly condemn the Maltese Prime Minister’s decision to weaken the laws regulating scientific bird ringing in a clear step to pacify the hunters’ lobby & to disguise illegal bird trapping as a scientific ringing project
@ec.europa.eu @birdlifeeurope.bsky.social
birdlifemalta.org/2025/10/bird...
@ec.europa.eu @birdlifeeurope.bsky.social
birdlifemalta.org/2025/10/bird...
BirdLife Malta hits out at Robert Abela for disguising ‘trapping’ as a scientific ringing project | BirdLife Malta
BirdLife Malta condemns PM Abela for weakening bird ringing laws and disguising illegal trapping as scientific research.
birdlifemalta.org
October 20, 2025 at 4:27 PM
BirdLife Malta condemns PM Robert Abela for weakening #bird ringing laws to disguise illegal trapping as science - a disgrace to #conservation.
Across the world, #birds are changing their #migration paths to survive a warming planet.
In #Malta, we should be safeguarding their journeys, not making them harder.
True #conservation means #protection, not #politics.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
In #Malta, we should be safeguarding their journeys, not making them harder.
True #conservation means #protection, not #politics.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Bird migration is changing. What does this reveal about our planet? – visualised
Bird migrations rank as one of nature’s greatest spectacles. Thanks to GPS tracking, scientists are uncovering extraordinary insights into ancient and mysterious journeys – and new threats that are re...
www.theguardian.com
October 18, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Across the world, #birds are changing their #migration paths to survive a warming planet.
In #Malta, we should be safeguarding their journeys, not making them harder.
True #conservation means #protection, not #politics.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
In #Malta, we should be safeguarding their journeys, not making them harder.
True #conservation means #protection, not #politics.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Reposted by Antonia Micallef
We’re proud that our #RestoreNature campaign won the 2025 SER Europe Communications Award, proof of what we can achieve together. But here in Malta, proposed planning Bills 143 & 144 risk undoing vital safeguards for nature & democracy. Let’s turn Europe’s Nature Restoration Law into action at home.
🎉We are delighted to announce we won the 2025 Communications Award from the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) Europe, recognising the power of our #RestoreNature campaign.
Together, we can make a change. 💚
Together, we can make a change. 💚
October 5, 2025 at 12:59 PM
We’re proud that our #RestoreNature campaign won the 2025 SER Europe Communications Award, proof of what we can achieve together. But here in Malta, proposed planning Bills 143 & 144 risk undoing vital safeguards for nature & democracy. Let’s turn Europe’s Nature Restoration Law into action at home.
Reposted by Antonia Micallef
So proud to see May’s journey featured by our partner @birdlifeglobal.bsky.social! 🕊️🌍
This Turtle-dove was one of the lucky few to escape Malta’s open hunting season.
🔗 Check it out:
1st www.facebook.com/reel/5981258...
2nd www.facebook.com/reel/1537887...
3rd www.facebook.com/reel/9521867...
This Turtle-dove was one of the lucky few to escape Malta’s open hunting season.
🔗 Check it out:
1st www.facebook.com/reel/5981258...
2nd www.facebook.com/reel/1537887...
3rd www.facebook.com/reel/9521867...
An epic 3,300km migration!👏🕊️
Our Partner @birdlifemalta.bsky.social tracked a full migration cycle of a Turtle-dove named May, from Malta to Timbuktu, as part of the EU-funded Habitrack project.🗺
Find out more here 👉 birdlifemalta.org/2025/06/turt... @birdlifeeurope.bsky.social
Our Partner @birdlifemalta.bsky.social tracked a full migration cycle of a Turtle-dove named May, from Malta to Timbuktu, as part of the EU-funded Habitrack project.🗺
Find out more here 👉 birdlifemalta.org/2025/06/turt... @birdlifeeurope.bsky.social
September 22, 2025 at 12:31 PM
So proud to see May’s journey featured by our partner @birdlifeglobal.bsky.social! 🕊️🌍
This Turtle-dove was one of the lucky few to escape Malta’s open hunting season.
🔗 Check it out:
1st www.facebook.com/reel/5981258...
2nd www.facebook.com/reel/1537887...
3rd www.facebook.com/reel/9521867...
This Turtle-dove was one of the lucky few to escape Malta’s open hunting season.
🔗 Check it out:
1st www.facebook.com/reel/5981258...
2nd www.facebook.com/reel/1537887...
3rd www.facebook.com/reel/9521867...
The slender-billed curlew, unseen since 1995, has now been declared #extinct - a powerful reminder that inaction costs us dearly. Let’s honour its loss by ensuring no other species vanishes on our watch. 🌍💔 observer.co.uk/news/science...
Why we should all mourn the slender-billed curlew
A bird that hasn’t been photographed since 1995 has now been declared extinct. Its fate is cause for wider alarm
observer.co.uk
September 10, 2025 at 4:59 AM
The slender-billed curlew, unseen since 1995, has now been declared #extinct - a powerful reminder that inaction costs us dearly. Let’s honour its loss by ensuring no other species vanishes on our watch. 🌍💔 observer.co.uk/news/science...
🚨 Only 2 days left to tell decision-makers: #HandsOffNature. Join over 150,000 citizens defending EU nature laws!
If you are against the weakening of EU nature laws, now is the moment to speak up.
Your voice matters. Use it now 👉 birdlifemalta.org/handsoffnatu...
If you are against the weakening of EU nature laws, now is the moment to speak up.
Your voice matters. Use it now 👉 birdlifemalta.org/handsoffnatu...
September 8, 2025 at 12:34 PM
This is real #conservation 💙 A true team effort! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Rare visitor! 🦅 Hugo, an endangered Egyptian Vulture, safely left Malta after 3 days of close monitoring by BirdLife Malta in collaboration with the Italian association CERM, Malta Ranger Unit, volunteers & the EPU police - a conservation success against the odds.
birdlifemalta.org/2025/09/egyp...
birdlifemalta.org/2025/09/egyp...
Egyptian Vulture Hugo safely leaves Malta after three days of constant monitoring | BirdLife Malta
Egyptian Vulture Hugo safely leaves Malta after close monitoring, highlighting efforts to protect one of Europe’s most endangered raptors.
birdlifemalta.org
September 3, 2025 at 4:37 PM
This is real #conservation 💙 A true team effort! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
While you're on holiday, the EU is dismantling environmental protections 🏖️➡️💔 #HandsOffNature
You have until 10 September to tell the Commission what you think. Your voice matters: birdlifemalta.org/handsoffnatu...
You have until 10 September to tell the Commission what you think. Your voice matters: birdlifemalta.org/handsoffnatu...
#HandsOffNature | BirdLife Malta
#HandsOffNature: Speak up now to stop the EU from weakening vital environmental protections. Defend nature laws before 10 September!
birdlifemalta.org
September 2, 2025 at 6:48 AM
While you're on holiday, the EU is dismantling environmental protections 🏖️➡️💔 #HandsOffNature
You have until 10 September to tell the Commission what you think. Your voice matters: birdlifemalta.org/handsoffnatu...
You have until 10 September to tell the Commission what you think. Your voice matters: birdlifemalta.org/handsoffnatu...
Reposted by Antonia Micallef
Don’t let the EU tear down nature protection ❌
The European Commission is quietly trying to dismantle the laws that safeguard what we cherish most: our nature.
They think we wouldn’t notice or care. But we do.
Tell them to keep their #HandsOffNature 👉 birdlifemalta.org/handsoffnatu...
The European Commission is quietly trying to dismantle the laws that safeguard what we cherish most: our nature.
They think we wouldn’t notice or care. But we do.
Tell them to keep their #HandsOffNature 👉 birdlifemalta.org/handsoffnatu...
September 1, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Don’t let the EU tear down nature protection ❌
The European Commission is quietly trying to dismantle the laws that safeguard what we cherish most: our nature.
They think we wouldn’t notice or care. But we do.
Tell them to keep their #HandsOffNature 👉 birdlifemalta.org/handsoffnatu...
The European Commission is quietly trying to dismantle the laws that safeguard what we cherish most: our nature.
They think we wouldn’t notice or care. But we do.
Tell them to keep their #HandsOffNature 👉 birdlifemalta.org/handsoffnatu...
So proud to be part of this incredible team 💚
Yesterday we received the Environmental Stewardship Award for our Salina Wetland Restoration – a project that proves how nature can recover when given a chance. 🌿🐦
#ForNatureAndPeople #RestoreNature
Yesterday we received the Environmental Stewardship Award for our Salina Wetland Restoration – a project that proves how nature can recover when given a chance. 🌿🐦
#ForNatureAndPeople #RestoreNature
Honoured to receive the Environmental Stewardship Award at the ERA Awards 2025 🏆🌿 Recognising the Salina Wetland Restoration, now a thriving ecosystem for nature & people 🐦💧
BirdLife Malta honoured with Environmental Stewardship Award for Salina wetland restoration | BirdLife Malta
BirdLife Malta wins national award for Salina wetland restoration, recognising its lasting impact on nature conservation and community engagement.
birdlifemalta.org
August 28, 2025 at 7:47 PM
So proud to be part of this incredible team 💚
Yesterday we received the Environmental Stewardship Award for our Salina Wetland Restoration – a project that proves how nature can recover when given a chance. 🌿🐦
#ForNatureAndPeople #RestoreNature
Yesterday we received the Environmental Stewardship Award for our Salina Wetland Restoration – a project that proves how nature can recover when given a chance. 🌿🐦
#ForNatureAndPeople #RestoreNature
#Science, not spin, should guide #conservation – the FKNK index is misleading and dangerous for our wild birds.
🚨 The FKNK “Sustainability Index” is bogus! Spring hunting isn’t sustainable: fewer than 8% of hunters declare catches. This unscientific tool hides EU warnings & illegal practices. Real conservation = science, not lobbying.
👉 birdlifemalta.org/2025/08/the-...
#StopSpringHunting #ProtectWildBirds
👉 birdlifemalta.org/2025/08/the-...
#StopSpringHunting #ProtectWildBirds
The FKNK “sustainability index” is bogus | BirdLife Malta
BirdLife Malta exposes FKNK sustainability index as unscientific, misleading and harmful to Turtle-dove and Quail conservation efforts.
birdlifemalta.org
August 27, 2025 at 5:01 AM
#Science, not spin, should guide #conservation – the FKNK index is misleading and dangerous for our wild birds.
Malta’s Wild Birds Deserve More Than Political Games And Loopholes
#malta #hunting #birds #enforcement #science #conservation
lovinmalta.com/opinion/malt...
#malta #hunting #birds #enforcement #science #conservation
lovinmalta.com/opinion/malt...
Malta’s Wild Birds Deserve More Than Political Games And Loopholes
Il-kaċċa, the hunting of wild birds, is legal in Malta and will likely remain so for the foreseeable future. But while laws exist on paper, enforcement is practically non-existent. The hunting lobby i...
lovinmalta.com
August 20, 2025 at 6:30 AM
Malta’s Wild Birds Deserve More Than Political Games And Loopholes
#malta #hunting #birds #enforcement #science #conservation
lovinmalta.com/opinion/malt...
#malta #hunting #birds #enforcement #science #conservation
lovinmalta.com/opinion/malt...
Reposted by Antonia Micallef
BirdLife Malta, in partnership with Project Green, is transforming the 3,200 m² buffer zone at Simar Nature Reserve into a vibrant, public-facing habitat. The site will open free to the public this autumn. Read more and dive into the details ⬇ birdlifemalta.org/2025/08/sima...
Simar buffer zone restored to protect nature and people | BirdLife Malta
Discover the new buffer zone at Simar Nature Reserve, restored with habitats, trees and pathways, opening free to the public this autumn.
birdlifemalta.org
August 19, 2025 at 7:02 PM
BirdLife Malta, in partnership with Project Green, is transforming the 3,200 m² buffer zone at Simar Nature Reserve into a vibrant, public-facing habitat. The site will open free to the public this autumn. Read more and dive into the details ⬇ birdlifemalta.org/2025/08/sima...
Reposted by Antonia Micallef
Malta’s environment faces an unprecedented threat. We oppose the Government’s amnesty for development illegalities – even in ODZ & heritage areas – which will erase safeguards, silence the public & reward destruction. These proposals must be withdrawn. Read more: birdlifemalta.org/2025/08/ruin...
August 13, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Malta’s environment faces an unprecedented threat. We oppose the Government’s amnesty for development illegalities – even in ODZ & heritage areas – which will erase safeguards, silence the public & reward destruction. These proposals must be withdrawn. Read more: birdlifemalta.org/2025/08/ruin...
🦅 🦢🦉🕊️🦩🐦⬛
🐦Birds in your pocket? Let’s make it happen.
The European Central Bank just launched a design competition for the future look of euro banknotes and one of the themes is “Rivers and Birds” ! 🌊
Are you a graphic designer in the EU? Submit your vision!
📅 Apply by 18 August
🔗 www.europa.eu/!cWfmdT
The European Central Bank just launched a design competition for the future look of euro banknotes and one of the themes is “Rivers and Birds” ! 🌊
Are you a graphic designer in the EU? Submit your vision!
📅 Apply by 18 August
🔗 www.europa.eu/!cWfmdT
August 8, 2025 at 7:06 PM
🦅 🦢🦉🕊️🦩🐦⬛
Reposted by Antonia Micallef
From waste to wildlife! BirdLife Malta has restored yet another wetland — this time at Salina Nature Reserve
Discover how we brought this precious site back to life for birds, nature & people
Read more: birdlifemalta.org/2025/07/sali...
#SalinaWetland #RestoreNature #BirdLifeMalta
Discover how we brought this precious site back to life for birds, nature & people
Read more: birdlifemalta.org/2025/07/sali...
#SalinaWetland #RestoreNature #BirdLifeMalta
Salina Nature Reserve: A Maltese wetland brought back to life | BirdLife Malta
BirdLife Malta restores Salina wetland, turning a degraded site into a thriving habitat for birds and biodiversity. Learn more about the project.
birdlifemalta.org
July 29, 2025 at 4:09 PM
From waste to wildlife! BirdLife Malta has restored yet another wetland — this time at Salina Nature Reserve
Discover how we brought this precious site back to life for birds, nature & people
Read more: birdlifemalta.org/2025/07/sali...
#SalinaWetland #RestoreNature #BirdLifeMalta
Discover how we brought this precious site back to life for birds, nature & people
Read more: birdlifemalta.org/2025/07/sali...
#SalinaWetland #RestoreNature #BirdLifeMalta
Reposted by Antonia Micallef
BirdLife Malta has joined nine other #NGOs in strongly opposing planning application PA/01439/25, which seeks to sanction illegal structures at #Dwejra – a #Natura2000 site and #DarkSkyHeritageArea. Read more ⬇️
timesofmalta.com/article/ille...
timesofmalta.com/article/ille...
Illegal developments in scenic Dwejra must not be sanctioned - NGOs
Approval will reward illegality and undermine environmental protection
timesofmalta.com
July 30, 2025 at 3:59 PM
BirdLife Malta has joined nine other #NGOs in strongly opposing planning application PA/01439/25, which seeks to sanction illegal structures at #Dwejra – a #Natura2000 site and #DarkSkyHeritageArea. Read more ⬇️
timesofmalta.com/article/ille...
timesofmalta.com/article/ille...
Microsoft’s bury‑your‑poop strategy may be clever, but buying #carbon credits instead of cutting its core CO₂ leaks still smells like #greenwashing!
www.wsj.com/articles/mic...
www.wsj.com/articles/mic...
Exclusive | Microsoft Wants Your Poop to Lower Its Emissions
The tech giant is investing in increasingly innovative methods of removing carbon from the atmosphere in an effort to offset the climate impact of its AI data centers.
www.wsj.com
July 19, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Microsoft’s bury‑your‑poop strategy may be clever, but buying #carbon credits instead of cutting its core CO₂ leaks still smells like #greenwashing!
www.wsj.com/articles/mic...
www.wsj.com/articles/mic...