BirdLife Malta CEO celebrates NGO’s 60th anniversary

Mark Sultana, CEO at local environmental NGO BirdLife Malta, took to social media to commemorate the organisation’s 60th anniversary.

BirdLife Malta was founded on 25th January 1962 as the Malta Ornithological Society (MOS). The NGO noted that 2022 will be a time to ‘reflect on the past 60 years with particular appreciation to all those who dedicate time and energy for the protection of birds and their habitat’.

“Humbled by this milestone. Respectful towards so many people that volunteered, led, helped, and worked with the MOS that later became BirdLife Malta. Honoured with the trust and responsibility I have in leading the NGO,” Mr Sultana wrote.

“Thankful and lucky to have an incredible team and council. Happy to have met and worked with a lot of people who value nature. Eager for more years,” he continued.

BirdLife Malta added that 2022 will be a time to celebrate its success stories – such as early education work in schools, the setting up and running of four nature reserves, the various bird studies, and the professional running of the BirdLife Malta Ringing Scheme.

“The most important part of celebrating an anniversary is looking at how relevant we remain today and in the future. Nature, biodiversity, and the entire world are being challenged by human activity and decisions, or the lack of them. Nature needs to be protected like never before,” BirdLife Malta President Darryl Grima said.

“From a local point of view, illegal hunting, trapping, and the loss of the natural footprint of the Maltese Islands remain the worst enemy of nature, while on a global level we need to do our part in fighting climate change, plastic waste, and pollution,” he continued.

BirdLife Malta is part of the BirdLife Family – a partnership of over 115 national organisations which form the world’s largest and oldest nature conservation partnership promiting global, European, and Mediterranean issues.

This year, BirdLife International is also celebrating its 100th anniversary.