SEASONAL SLAUGHTER

If a visitor were to be asked what he enjoyed when he was in Egypt, nine out of ten will answer the beauty of the immortal Nile and its surroundings. All this and much more can be enjoyed. Egypt, most known for its array of pyramids and temples, also has a lot to offer especially to the bird lovers. The last decade and a half have seen great interest in its ornithology. Apart from a list of distinctive resident species occupying the various habitats, which this North African country offers, Egypt is just as fascinating for migrating and wintering palaeartic birds.

It is an open secret that bird shooting and trapping have always been part of the Nile Valley activity and Egyptians are famous for some notorious bird killing and trapping. Egyptian and foreign conservationists estimate that during the autumn migration only, more than half a million birds are netted along the Mediterranean coast between Alexandria and Marsa Matruh. These figures do not include those which migrate during the spring return journey and the area between Alexandria and Rafah. The same fate happens to the small birds since Egypt is the first Mediterranean coast when the small birds are making their way south to the warm countries after spending the summer in Europe. Very tired because of the long voyage, the birds will be eager to touch ground thus providing easy prey for the hunters and trappers.

Bird life in Egypt is very rich and more than 430 species have been sighted and recorded. It is worth mentioning that about one third of these species are breeders in Egypt.

In the last fifteen years or so, a new disgraceful dimension has been added to the already existing destructive phenomenon. Bird shooters from European, Mediterranean and Arabic countries started to be organised in small groups by travel agents and taken over to Egypt on hunting tours. Among these groups are the Maltese bird shooters and their compatriots the Italians, who are infamous where bird killing is concerned. The Maltese hunters started visiting Egypt on organised bird shooting tours, just over ten years ago.

A decade ago a massive, international campaigned was organised by Maltese Environmentalists led by the Malta Ornithological Society (Birdlife Malta) to stop the destruction of birds in the land of the Pharaohs.

Because the amount of foreign currency which the country was earning from Maltese and Italian hunters, was just a small drop in the ocean in the country’s economy when compared with the bad publicity received all over Europe, and also considering the slaughter of thousands and thousands of birds, which are of national and international natural heritage, the Egyptian government decided to regulate "sports hunting" for tourism. Hunting tours from Malta were banned. This ban lasted for less than five years and official hunting tours commenced again following a decision taken by the Egyptian government.

Individual hunters disguised as "tourists" started going on hunting expeditions. All the necessary hunting arrangements including licenses and permits were made by the Egyptian Travel Agents. Stories of massacres of protected birds began to appear in the Maltese newspapers and occasionally in the Egyptian Press. Magazines and journals specialising in Ornithology published in European countries also reported these massacres. Occasionally Court action was instituted by the Malta Police following finds of protected species by officials from the Department of Environment and Customs Department on the arrival of hunters in Malta. Maltese hunters were caught hunting illegally in Egypt but no action was taken against them. On rare occasions The Cairo Airport Tourism Police interrogated Maltese hunters, called in a veterinary surgeon to examine the skins they had, prepared a report, confiscated the birds, and let the hunters take the flight back to Malta. A Letter by The Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency does not confirm whether any legal action was taken against the culprits. Legal action was taken against the travel agent responsible for all the necessary arrangements. The ignorance, selfishness and greed of some so called Maltese hunters, are still being exploited by some tour organisers both in Malta and Egypt. It is an open secret that the majority of the Maltese tour operators and organisers are hunters, those who are not hunters run a hunting business. International Animal Rescue (Malta), with the help of several groups abroad is working together to help stamp out illegal hunting in Egypt.

PURPOSE OF THE REPORT

International Animal Rescue (Malta) received communications from Egyptian environmentalist and bird protection groups in Europe that Maltese and Italian hunters are responsible for the massacre of protected birds while on hunting tours in Egypt. International Animal Rescue was asked to co-ordinate to stamp out this illegal slaughter. An investigating commission known as "Stop the Slaughter of Birds in Egypt" was set up. The purpose of the commission is to review the situation and reports which are being received and also study what action can be taken at European level. It is an open secret that the Maltese and Egyptian authorities are very much concerned because of this situation which is effecting the image of both countries. In Egypt a national committee was set up under the responsibility of Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA) to study the present situation and report what action is to be taken.

The purposes of this report are:

1) To bring to light what is really happening during the hunting tours.

2) To create awareness of the present situation, amongst all the authorities concerned and other interested international institutions;

3) To suggest recommendations as to how the present situation can be controlled;

4) To inform the responsible authorities that if no action is taken to better the situation a " Stop the Slaughter of birds in Egypt" campaign will be launched in several European countries which are already backing this action. This campaign will be launched if no immediate direct action is taken to stop the notorious killing of both resident and migrating birds, a large number of which are protected by International conventions. The "Stop the Slaughter "study group is determined that it will leave no stone unturned to inform everyone concerned about what is happening during the hunting tours in Egypt.

GENERAL REVIEW OF THE PAST SITUATION

THE LATE EIGHTIES

In Malta the late eighties were characterized by a lot of trouble between hunting and birds protection groups. Both sides aired their views regarding the proposed amendments to the hunting laws and regulations which the Nationalist Government was adamant on changing, to be in line with European countries in the European Union. The Malta Government was preparing to apply for full membership within the European Union. During the same administration, for the first time in the history of the Police Force in Malta, a squad was set up to enforce the environment laws and regulations. This was quite effective.

During the same period unscrupulous local travel agents and tour operators took the opportunity of the situation in Malta, that is, the hunting restrictions that the new laws would bring, and began to explore Egypt as a hunting paradise.

The organised hunting tours became popular and several hunters started to go on these tours. The massacre of protected birds that was taking place in Egypt was worrying not only the Egyptian authorities but also to several other countries whose migratory birds were being slaughtered in the Egyptian skies. During this time Egypt was trying to boost hunting tourism. Many hunters from the rich Gulf States, the Mediterranean and Europe were visiting Egypt on hunting expeditions. Killing of protected birds during these organised hunts became the order of the day. The worst of all hunters were the Maltese and the Italians and those from the Gulf States. They shoot at anything that flies wherever they are.

The Maltese newspapers carried several reports on the massacres, which were carried out, not only on protected species but on anything that flies. Reports prove that enforcement did not exist at all. Il-Passa, (the Maltese word for Migration) the hunters and trappers monthly newspaper in Malta on several occasions reported the enormous bird catches in Malta. In the March 1988 issue the author of an article about the hunt stated that the Maltese hunters in a few days caught a large number of turtle doves which no hunter would ever dream of catching in his life. One of the hunters is reported saying that in less than three hours they caught about 500 birds. The same article was illustrated by a number of photographs. An advert by the local agents, carried in the same issue showed the organiser of the Sphinx tours shooting. The same advert guaranteed that during the hunting tours scheduled for the month of March wood pigeons, palm doves, quails, turtle doves and all the other species, with the exception of ducks, which migrate at this time of the year can be killed. This was a direct reference to spring migration. The May 1988 issue of the same newspaper, Il-Passa (The Migration) carried another shameful story. Under the heading "KILLING 10,000 BIRDS IN FIVE DAYS" the article stated that the hunters were so surprised with the large number of birds they saw on the route from the Airport to the hotel that they wished they had their guns ready to start shooting. The organised hunt was in mid-March, the number of hunters was nineteen and the killing took place at the Fayoum. The article goes on, to say that large flocks of birds were seen. In Malta a hunter would be ready to make any sacrifice to shoot one of them. The birds` massacre was out of proportion. The same report adds that about 400 birds used to be cooked during one meal. The meals used to be prepared by the tour organiser. To describe to what extent the shooting was taking place the author stated that some of the hunters had to change the firing pin of their gun because it was worn off. The writer also commented that at the end of the day the only things which they could see on the ground were the thousands of used cartridges, which were shot and left scattered by the hunters(11) . The headings of other articles published at that time are "A DREAM COMES TRUE FOR MALTESE SHOOTERS IN EGYPT" "IF GAME BIRDS WON`T COME YOU HAVE TO GO AFTER THEM”. This is another article which speaks for itself.

It is indeed quite galling to see leaflet advertising these tours, carrying pictures of Maltese shooters sporting huge bundles of dead birds hanging round their necks. Although the brochure does not mention protected bird species it is an open secret what species were killed. The brochures add that before every visit a written guarantee from Sphinx Tours will be given to all the hunters that birds for stuffing purposes will be allowed in Malta through the Maltese customs.

ACTION BY THE MALTESE AUTHORITIES

On several occasions the Maltese Customs authorities helped by the inspectorates from the Department of Environment confiscated the dead birds which the shooters tried to smuggle into Malta after the hunt in Egypt. These birds are smuggled to be stuffed and mounted as trophies. Some are kept by the hunters to keep for themselves, whilst others are sold to collectors of stuffed birds. There were occasions when the authorities confiscated the birds on health reasons. Because of this the shooters were importing the skins of the birds only. On such occasions species protected by the Maltese laws were withheld and confiscated by the Customs department in collaboration with the Department of Environment.

The number of species of birds killed by Maltese shooters and illegally imported into Malta is incredible. The list includes, among others, include, Purple Gallinule, little Grebe, mallard, garganey, wigeon, pochard, ferruginous ducks, stone curlew, Black-Shouldered Kite, black winged stilt, Little Owl, blue Checked Bee eaters, Bee eaters, Senegal Coucal, Spur-Winged Plover, Painted Snipe, Cattle Egret, lanner falcon, Great Grey Shrike, Dove species, kingfishers, cranes, lark species, Black headed Bulbul, Hooded Crow, hoopoe flamingos, spoonbills, birds of prey and many other species.

THE CAMPAIGN

Because of this incredible massacre of the Egyptian avifauna, a campaign was initiated in Malta to create awareness. The Maltese, Egyptian and European authorities were briefed on what was happening during these bird shooting tours in Egypt. The campaign also appealed to the public to give their support by boycotting the Travel Agents, and tour operators who were organizing these shameful bird massacre tours to Egypt.

Following this campaign, Sphinx Tours, the leading tour operators who specialised in these slaughter trips instituted a court case against the Malta Ornithological Society and

four bird protectionists. It was alleged that they were responsible for the campaign. The tour operator sued the campaigners and the Malta Ornithological Society for $88,000. The tour organiser claimed that he lost revenue as a result of the campaigners activities. Under the Maltese laws the assets of the Malta Ornithological Society were

frozen until the court come to a decision. After several months, the court case was dropped because the tour operator never appeared in court to give evidence and substantiate the allegations when he was asked to do so by the court. Various birds protection groups in Europe were backing this well organised, informative campaign. The bird destruction issue at that time received a lot of publicity all over Europe and Arabic countries alike. European groups financially helped the Malta Ornithological Society (Birdlife Malta) to be able to continue to survive.

ACTION BY THE EGYPTIAN GOVERNMENT

The Egyptian Government, bombarded by protests from several International Organizations decided to regulate the chaotic situation and clamp down on illegal hunting. The Egyptian authorities realised that this campaign would effect the tourist industry and create a bad image abroad.

In a letter to the Malta Ornithological Society (Birdlife Malta) the Undersecretary of State of the environment Affairs, Ali Hindy thanked the Malta Ornithological Society for bringing to the attention of the Egyptian authorities the reality of the situation. The letter goes on to say that the Minister of tourism, Mr. Fouad Sultan, shares with the campaigners the same concern over the conduct of some foreign hunters while on Egyptian soil. He is especially displeased with the type of hunting, which is taking place during the Maltese hunting tours in their country. A letter dated the 5th March l990 signed by the Egyptian Undersecretary announced various restrictions. Including the setting of hunting seasons The tour operator who was organising these slaughter tours was banned from organising tours to Egypt. Egypt has its own national laws and regulations regarding bird life and its habits. Apart from this, during the recent years Egypt has signed five international conventions dealing with nature conservation

TRANSITION PERIOD --LATE EIGHTIES AND EARLY NINETIES.

Following these initiatives from local and foreign groups, organised hunting tours from Malta in the early nineties came to a halt. Some thought that thousands of birds have been spared from the guns of the hunters. This was not the exact situation. A lesser number of hunters but with a specific aim were visiting Egypt as tourists. Guns were being hired on arrival at the hunting site, especially at the Fayoum area. A large quantity of protected bird species, some of which were rare endangered species were being shot down, and smuggled into Malta without any fear at all. It is reported that no law enforcement was taking place at Cairo Airport. In order to be able to control the situation on the Malta side, when hunting tours are officially organised the Maltese travel agent or tour operator are duty bound to inform the Department of Environment with the departure and arrival dates of the group, the number of hunters and their respective names. This enabled the authorities to monitor the hunters especially on arrival in Malta. On the contrary when hunters go to Egypt as tourists on their own no information is available to the Department of Environment. This made it difficult for the local authorities to investigate.

During the period when group hunting to Egypt came to a halt only random checks were carried out on arrival by the Department of Customs. Because of this system large quantities of protected bird species were smuggled into Malta illegally. On the other side of the Mediterranean, the Egyptian Customs authorities were not monitoring the luggage of these "Maltese tourists" on their way out from Cairo even though they are supposed to x-ray the entire luggage of out going passengers. Because of lack of enforcement the protected birds were smuggled out of Egypt without any fear at all. It is an open secret that a considerable number of birds skins brought over from Egypt by the "Maltese tourists" were being sold to both collectors and hunters alike. A considerable number of these birds can be seen in some of the collections in Malta. It has been noted that when the Administrative Law Enforcement Police made raids on taxidermists among the birds` skins confiscated, they found species which are not on Maltese migratory route but at the same time easily hunted in Egypt.

GENERAL REVIEW OF THE SITUATION FROM THE MID-NINTIES

In 1994 the system for bird shooting tourism in Egypt was devised following infractions of the Egyptian laws during foreign hunting tours in particular by hunters, who killed large number of birds of all species regardless of their protected status Following the establishment of the new regulations and conditions, the Maltese tour organisers took a second chance in less than a decade. Maltese travel agents and tour organisers, once more started to organise hunting tours to Egypt. The Egyptian Government in the late eighties banned similar tours from Malta, but still a number of hunters continued visiting the land of the Pharaohs for hunting purposes but as tourists. Everyone knows the outcome of some of these visits. At that time the Maltese tour organiser who repeated organised bird hunting tours and violated Egyptian laws was prohibited from organising tours to Egypt. 1994 saw the revival of the official hunting tours to Egypt. A considerable number of travel agents, and tour operators most of which were hunters, became involved in one way or another in the organisation of hunting tours. Among those involved are: Amphora Travel Ltd., Cefit travel, Elga Tours, Gun and Rod Sports Shop, S.Mifsud and Sons Travel agency, Henry Fenech Azzopardi Travel, Titu Gun and Cartridge tours, Gun and Cycle Supplier, Albertours ltd., Paradise Travel and Property services and In Namra. The local organisors worked hand in hand with their Egyptian counterparts. Among those involved on the Egyptian side are Greater Tours, Rio Egypt, Mediterranean tours, Port Said tours, Green Valley Tours, Grand Tours, Nicer Travel, Nile Jet Tours and Msir Travel. These tours became very popular amongst the Maltese hunters, The organisers spent a lot of money in marketing and promoting these tours. One of the four hunting associations in Malta as part of their membership renewal campaign organised a lottery having as a prize a fully paid hunting tour to Egypt, this was sponsored by one of the travel agents.

THE MASSACRE STARTS AGAIN

The majority of tour organisers are much more interested in the money they earn from the hunting tours than the massacre which is taking place in Egypt. Hardly any of these organisers are scrupulous, and abide by the laws; we are referring to both Maltese and Egyptian organisers. The tour companies and hunters have found loopholes and other means to get around the systems and regulations. Reports in the local and even in some foreign newspapers give details of the killing which take place in Egypt. On the other hand the Maltese daily newspapers on several occasions reported the confiscation of hundreds of protected birds found in the possession of hunters on their arrival in Malta. A Maltese travel agent who organises hunting tours but speaks openly against the illegal killing of rare and protected species, namely Henry Fenech Azzopardi Travel in a statement to answer criticism in the Press said the smuggling of protected bird skins had become a thriving racket. He added that the number of protected bird skins being smuggled into Malta was allowed to escalate because of insufficient inspections by customs. The same agent commented that he became conscious that groups returning from Cairo during the outgoing season (l997/l998) had not been searched, as had been the practice of previous years. He added that some of the hunters were allowed to pass through the "nothing to declare’ channel and also stated that airport surveillance had become non-existence, encouraging hunters travelling with other groups to begin smuggling the skins illegally into Malta. The leniency with which it is believed customs officials and environment inspectorates have been treating hunters returning from hunting trips during the last one and a half years encouraged the hunters to smuggle skins. It is worth mentioning that during the period, which is mentioned by Henry Fenech Azzopardi, the Maltese Labour Government as a measure to curb extra expenses on the national expenditure introduced a ban on overtime. This affected the environment department inspectorates who work at specific hours to do their job well. The Department of Environment had enough information to work with the Customs` Department to curb the illegal importation of skins. The organisers are bound to give a considerable amount of information regarding these tours and the hunters forming part of the group. It was also obvious to us that the leniency of searching on hunters on arriving in Malta was also not to irritate the hunters who are considered as a strong lobby group during election campaigns. It was only after severe criticism in the local press that the Customs and Environment officials began the searches again. Between mid-January l998 and mid-February l998 surveillance was harsher than in the previous months. During the mentioned period nearly on every flight local officials managed to confiscate skins which were scheduled to be smuggled into Malta. An Egyptian magazine reported the case of six illegal hunters who had their bags confiscated. They were caught hunting illegally by Mr. Aly Hamdy, personally who is the under secretary of state for tourism with special responsibility for the environment. This was one of the rare occasions. More enforcement from Egyptian authorities to control the situation is a must. These illegalities are the result of hunting tours organised for Maltese in Egypt. From investigations carried out in Malta and confirmed with sources in Egypt it resulted that on some occasions those caught with protected species at Malta International Airport on their arrival did not register as hunters before they left Malta. The hunting arrangements were made for them through an Egyptian tour organiser. It resulted that on some flights to Cairo hunters had two guns and were forming part of a group. Legally this can be done but it leaves much to be desired, because it can rise to abuses. Incidentally on the same flight were hunters who were visiting Egypt as tourists, officially they had no guns with them. Some of these hunters posing as tourists were caught trying to smuggle skins into Malta. While they were in Egypt these "tourists" went on hunting tours and had no trouble at all with the Egyptian authorities. Tour organisers in Egypt who organise hunting tours did not want to commit themselves as to whether they made all the necessary arrangements. Egyptian authorities confirmed to us that they have no statistics available about foreign hunters caught engaged in illegal hunting in Egypt. They also confirmed that after the establishment of the bird hunting tourism system, there were some Maltese hunters who were caught hunting illegally, their catch was confiscated and the Egyptian tour operators penalised.

MARKETING THE HUNTING TOURS

Before every hunting season, local travel agents and tour operators step up their

campaign to promote the hunting tours. The number of hunters who participate in these tours is increasing every year. It is estimated that during the out going season about 300 hunters joined the groups on hunts. Apart from these, several others go on their own and make the necessary arrangements in Cairo. We cannot estimate these figures.

The promotional campaign is based mainly on articles and advertisements in the local media, making using of the hunter’s newspaper "Il-Passa" as the main source. Photographs of the hunt and the birds caught support articles and advertisements. They also give information of what has been achieved to have the hunt made easier more easy for them. The tour organisers also distribute leaflets, and brochures giving details of the programmed hunts. They also distribute brochures, which are sent by the travel agents in Egypt. These brochures concentrate mainly on information on the sites where the hunts take place. Some of these brochures are distributed during a specialised fair on Egypt, which takes place every year in Malta. These tours are also promoted by means of videos. A number of tour organisors prepared video shots taken in Egypt during the hunt. We are in possession of two different videos prepared by different agents. The producer of the video was very cautious not to show any illegal shooting. These videos can be seen either at shops which specialises in hunting goods, or else to organise groups. The videos can be loaned against a deposit of about 15 dollars. We have been informed that a lot of personal video footage exists in Malta showing the killing of protected birds. The prices of these tours vary according to the hunting sites they are taken to, type of hotel accommodation, services offered and the duration of the stay. These are normal five or seven night tours. Inclusive in the price is the air fare from Malta to Cairo return, full board in a decent hotel, excursions around Cairo, helper/guide who will accompany and assist each shooter during shooting trips, transport by minibus from and to hotel to shooting regions, freezers for storage of dead birds. The agent also obtains the necessary permits, which the hunters need before they start the hunt. Some operators offer also English speaking guides. Each hunter is asked to pay some 100 dollars extra. This amount is to cover up the registration of birds, skinning of birds and tipping to the Egyptians.

As part of this marketing campaign the tour operators during the last three years worked hard to get good advantages for the hunters on tours. Amongst the advantages are:

1) The hunters can take their guns with them as long as they are plugged to take only two shots.

2) Cartridges can be taken from Malta although they can easily be bought in Cairo and even in the Fayoum.

3) The hunting tours up to a few months ago were restricted only to the Fayoum area. The local organisers, with the help of their counterparts in Egypt managed to make the necessary arrangements to extend these tours to Aswan and Abu Simbel area which are considered as "high risk areas" and also to Port Said.

4) In November l995 every Maltese shooter was allowed to bring back with him to Malta the skins of 12 birds; now three years after they have managed to raise this figure to 20

5) Each hunter can now take with him about 470 cartridges. During the first year that these tours started the hunters had some problems with the amount of cartridges they could take with them. Arrangements were reached with Air Malta, the Maltese national carrier that instead of 100 cartridges each hunter can take with him about 470 cartridges to Egypt if he is forming part of an official group. The cartridges are transported in a special box. By means of this agreement the hunters will be able to take with them for the hunt the cartridges they prefer. The size of the lead pellets must conform to the laws and regulations. Ironically the travel agents in Malta praised the national carrier for this concession.

6) Another concession, which the travel agents managed to discuss with AirMalta with success, is the "free baggage allowance". According to international rules, the free baggage allowance stands as twenty kilos. AirMalta gave a concession of an extra ten kilos.

During our investigations we tried to get the official figures of the number of hunters who are joining these hunting tours every year. The local authorities did not respond to our letters. We know for sure that the figures every year are on the increase. It is estimated that during the outgoing year that is 1998 more than 250 hunters will have made a trip to Egypt to hunt, some of which will go to high risk areas. An article written by one of the travel agency and published in Il-Passa. (The Migration) warns the hunters that any illegality might be the end of the hunting tours. The illegalities that are taking place in Egypt are worrying the Foreign Affairs Ministry. In fact the writer adds that he was also warned by the Maltese Ambassador His Excellency Mr. Yves Debarro about this. From this article we also learned, that the Maltese authorities are inquiring what is being done with the imported skins from Egypt. The reason for this is most probably that by the time this article was written there was only one person who is licenced as a taxidermist in Malta. The Travel agent who wrote the article urged all those who know how to staff birds to apply for a license so that no one will be in a position to make any remarks on the skins which are being imported. Mr. Fenech Azzopardi one of the travel agents who is considered to be outspoken on this issue in an article in IL-PASSA stated that some hunters tried to smuggle protected birds such as kingfishers by hiding them with the other birds. The Inspectorates of the Department of Environment caught these individuals and legal action has been taken. Mr. Fenech Azzopardi made it clear that his company will not tolerate these things.

In another article published in the February issue of IL-PASSA (Il-Passa) Mr. Fenech Azzopardi once more wrote that there were hunters who abused the rules and regulations and action was taken against them in Malta. He spoke how some of the hunters tried to smuggle cartridges out of Malta. Whilst the agreement stated that 300 cartridges had to be packed in the special boxes provided, 150 cartridges (amounting to five kilos) had to be packed in the luggage. Some hunters abused these regulations and when they checked in at the departure desk it was discovered that they had more cartridges in the luggage more than they were allowed to carry. All their extra cartridges were confiscated. The taking out of Malta of more cartridges than allowed is also mentioned in one of the promotional videos which the organisers Gun and Rods and their agents S. Mifsud and Sons prepared for distribution.

An advert published in IL-PASSA (February 1996), by Henry Fenech Azzopardi Travel ltd stated that his company can boast that it is the number one organisation of these tours and in obtaining good services for the hunters. The travel agency mentions all the benefits it managed to negotiate for the hunters. These included the number of cartridges, excess weight, and several lakes in the Fayoum (names of the lakes never mentioned in articles or advertisement). He also added that they are having the service of a taxidermist who will skin 20 birds for the price of about 25 to 30 dollars. The taxidermist is a Maltese who resides in the Fayoum area. The same person is also the representative of the company in the Fayoum area, so that he will be able to solve any problem that arises when the hunters are in the area. This advertisement shows that the travel agents are leaving no stone unturned to accommodate the Maltese hunters on tours. Again S. Mifsud and Sons says that they have the best lake in the Fayoum which is next to the flour mills. These are for their disposal. Whilst Mr. H.Fenech Azzopardi, the leading travel agent of these tours works hard to obtain good conditions for the hunters other tour operators benefited from these conditions. To be able to have more control on his tour members Mr. Fenech Azzopardi always books the hunters in a hotel were no other hunters from other groups are booked. This enables him to control the freezers available for the storing of dead birds. Messrs Fenech Azzopardi following reports by another organiser that he was sending hunters into hotel, which accepted only, ordered from Mr. Azzopardi took immediate action. As part of the package deal the price include apart from the normal items, a person to deal with all the problems in Egypt, a certificate from the authorities in Cairo so that the hunters will be able to export 20 birds, renowned lakes for ducks, (the agency emphasises that these are reserved specifically for hunters from their organisation,) the service of a representative from the company during the departure and arrival of hunters in Malta, and the service of an authorised taxidermist in Egypt. It has also stated added that to avoid abuses this person will control the freezers.

Amphora Travel Ltd., the local agent for Port Said Travel of Egypt, in an advertisement in the newspaper IL-PASSA (The Migration) dated October l996 stated that they were going to introduce hunting tours to the Port Said area. They mentioned river Manzala as the area on which they are concentrating their hunts. River Manila was described as the first area in which birds stop during their migration from Europe towards North Africa. We could not evaluate the number of hunters who visited this area, in that particular season or during the following one. In May l998 a local fair promoting Egypt and its products was organised in Malta. Amphora travel was one of the organisers. During this fair promotion brochures were being distributed from the Amphora Travel Ltd. stand. The brochure was prepared by Port Said Travel of Egypt to encourage hunting, fishing, and Safari tours. The brochure speaks about shooting and fishing at Lake Manzala, Faiyum, and Lake Qarun. Mr. Mohamed Sherif in a letter to Ms. Miriam Dunn a Malta Independent journalist stated that the birds mentioned in the brochure could be watched only as they are protected. In the brochure this is not mentioned and the only words mentioned are hunting and fishing. This brochure encourages hunters participating in tours to Egypt to shoot at protected birds. A copy of this brochure was collected personally by one of the members working on this report from the Amphora Travel stand at the fair. The case was immediately reported to the Department of Environment and the Malta Police for investigation. The brochure gives details of best periods during the year for hunting of both native and migrant birds. Among the birds mentioned are flamingos and pelicans that are protected by law and listed as endangered species. Immediate action taken by the commission working on this report was effective. Following reports to the local authorities the distribution of the brochure was stopped. When another member of the commission called on the stand and inquired about the hunting tours, when he asked for some literature he was asked to leave his name and address and a brochure would be sent to his address. It is worth mentioning that part of the same leaflet was used in an advertisement in October l996 by Amphora travel as part of its marketing campaign. In a Fax dated 19th May l998 addressed to Ms Miriam Dunn, the investigating journalist of the Malta Independent, Ms. Yvonne Ellul admitted that they were distributing the leaflet as guidelines and as a promotion to hunters. She added that they always advised hunters before they traveled to Egypt about what birds can be hunted. The Egyptian Embassy, following an article in the Malta Independent also felt that they had to comment on this brochure. In a Fax dated 18th May His Excellency Yehya Ibrahim Elramlawy the Ambassador for the Arab Republic of Egypt in Malta whilst expressing his concern on this subject stated that the Embassy was not involved in this fair because it was not organized through the Egyptian government or the competent authorities in Egypt. He insisted that this was not an Egyptian Fair. The ambassador added that they couldn’t rely on private travel agents that are trying to promote and attract hunters to go to Egypt. He concluded that the Egyptian authorities are willing to take all the necessary measures to protect and prevent the using of its territory to act illegally against birds or any other protected animal species. The police investigated the case but no legal action was taken.

Gun and Rod Sports Shop, in collaboration with S.MIfsud and Sons Travel who are considered to be one of the two leading organisers of the hunting tours to Egypt. In an advertisement published in Il-Passa October l996, announced that they had managed to secure three hotels in Egypt for the l996/l997 season in which they can send Maltese hunters. This was done with the Co-operation of the Mediterranean Tour and Travel of Cairo. They also added that their hunters now could take with them 500 cartridges instead of 470, which were agreed upon with AirMalta. One can realise how things are being charged on the Malta side by the organisers every month. Big competition exists among the travel agents to manipulate the Maltese hunters. Gun and Rod Sports Shop and S.Mifsud and Sons are also the organisers of hunting tours to Turkey.

Elga Tours of Malta together with Greater tours of Egypt try to attract the hunters by stating that their tours are the best and the cheapest. Apart from the Fayoum area they are also offering the Aswan and Abu Simbel. These areas are considered as high-risk areas. It is worth mentioning that some Maltese tourists for whom Greater tours of Egypt made all the necessary arrangements to go on hunting tours in Egypt were caught hunting illegally, the birds were confiscated and according to a letter from the EEAA the Egyptian agents were penalised.

The tour organisers IN-NAMRA who collaborate with Henry Fenech Azzopardi and Mediterranean Tours and Travel of Cairo announced in one of their adverts that they have a stock of cartridges available at the Fayoum for those who need more cartridges during their stay at the Fayoum. They did not say whether these cartridges are bought from Egypt or else ex-stock from Malta. In-Namra organisers offered to the local hunters, for a normal price charged by other groups, free insurance whilst in Egypt, the service of a taxidermist, and the payment of birds at the zoo.

Gun and Rod Sport Shop and their travel agents S.Mifsud and Sons, in an advertisement dated November l996 in the newspaper IL-PASSA extended the hunting tours to Egypt to eighteen-year-old hunting enthusiasts. This novelty is featured in one the of company’s videos in an interview with one of the organisers. One has to keep in mind that these hunting enthusiasts are not licensed hunters because in Malta to possess a hunting license one must be at least twenty one years old. This means that these hunting tours organisers are encouraging hunting amongst youths who are not yet licensed . On the other hand in Egypt one can hunt at the age of eighteen. This is a legal loophole used by local travel agents to promote their business. We could not confirm whether this was a breach of the local laws because the illegal act will take place outside territorial waters. As a result a number of "under age" hunters joined in these tours. These under age "hunters" were never registered with the Department of Environment. When contacted by phone as a prospective client but who is still under age, a member of this commission was told by a spokesman for the tour organisers to go to the shop or to S.Mifsud and Sons travel and they will inform him what to do. Officially it has been stated that arrangements will be made for someone else to carry the gun for him. This loophole is being used to solve this problem so that under age "hunters" will be able to go to Egypt. This is another step that the agents took to satisfy the hunters and at the same time earn money from these tours. The organisers studied all the possible loopholes in the Maltese and Egyptian laws to enlarge their business.

THE KILLING AND ILLEGALITIES CONTINUE

The Maltese hunters are being considered as a problem by the Egyptian authorities. The Minister for the Environment Protection of Egypt showed his preoccupations in a letter sent to the investigating commission. Whilst the travel agents do their best to encourage the Maltese hunters to go on hunting tours, the destruction of birdlife in Egypt is continuously being reported in the hunter’s newspaper IL-PASSA. It is enough to say that photographs and statistics published speak for themselves. It has been reported that during a particular tour four hunters killed 264 birds, of which more than fifty percent were Egyptian geese whilst the rest were tufted ducks, widgeons, shovelers, teals, and pintails. What happened with the extra birds that were killed has never been stated in the write-ups and adverts. A case in point is this one and many others. It has been officially stated that four hunters killed 264 birds, only 80 birds could be exported to Malta what happened with the rest of the birds no one knows except the hunters and their organisers. But in an article published in IL-PASSA dated April l997 it is reported " After a week we already collected 98 geese and 102 ducks species (in all these make a total of 200 our comment) All these were skinned, and packed in bags for the airport. The skinning of the birds was done by Khalid and his friends, and when we arrived at the hotel we used to pack the birds in the freezer." The four hunters, and let us say, the organiser could only bring over to Malta 100 skinned birds. What happened with the other hundred that are mentioned in the article as being ready for the airport? For the investigation team who is preparing this report and were not at the Airport in Cairo or in Malta this is a big mystery. We can only guess what happened to these birds.

It is worth saying that this was not the biggest recorded catch. IL-PASSA March l997 reported that 325 ducks were caught by one group. This is considered as a record catch for Maltese hunting groups.

Local travel agents continued to improve the conditions for the hunters. It has been reported in IL-PASSA October l997 that the organisers of the Henry Fenech Azzopardi travel Ltd purchased two new boats equipped with a Yamaha 85-horse power outboard engine. This means that the trip to the hunting place can be made in half the usual time thus leaving more time for the hunt. The report adds that the organisors already have a stock of cartridges that are available at the hotels in Aswan and Fayoum. This means that a group of six hunters will be able to make use of more than 3000 cartridges in seven days. 3000 cartridges are the maximum amount that the hunters can take with them officially from Malta. More cartridges can be bought from all hunting sites.

It has been noticed that during l995, the hunting tours were limited and they were concentrated in the Fayoum area. l996, saw the introduction of several benefits for the hunters which were not available during l995. In l997, when they could not acquire more benefits for the hunters, the hunting tour operators concentrated on new sites and areas, some of which are considered as high-risk areas. These included apart from the Fayoum, the Aswan and the Abu Simbel. What is being prepared for l998 we do not know yet. From investigations carried out and the correspondence passed between the investigating commission and the Egyptian authorities it resulted that the Egyptian authorities are not at present considering total abolition of hunting in their country but they are trying to control it. This results from two separate reports that our commission received from Egypt. One of the reports was sent by the Minister of Environment and the second report comes from the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency. Both reports are very informative and outline the policy of the Egyptian authorities. One of the reports hints that if the Maltese hunters continue to break the laws they will be banned from hunting in Egypt. On the other hand the Maltese authorities are also not considering stopping the hunting tours to Egypt. The main reasons for this is that both governments consider that hunting tours generate foreign income into the Egyptian country and this helps the economy of the country. To improve the situation in general we recommend that severe measures will be taken by both countries to control the situation.

PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED BY INVESTIGATION COMMISSION

The investigating commission want to make it clear it was very difficult especially during the first months of its investigations to get official information. The Maltese authorities never answered the letters sent by the commission in which they asked for offical information when they were preparing the report. Statistics asked for, to be able to substantiate what is being said were never given. The investigators had problems with the Egyptian authorities when they started investigating the case. The Egyptian Embassy in Malta never answered or acknowledged six of the seven letters sent to them, some of which were even taken by hand. All the letters were addressed to the Ambassador. A letter handed to a member of the foreign affairs delegation during the Euro-Mediterrean Conference held in Malta in l997 was not answered either. All the correspondence between the Embassy in Malta and the commission was referred to the authorities in Egypt. Copies of the letters were sent to Her Excellency Ms Nadiya Makrum Asbeud, Minister of State for the Environmental Affairs, Dr. Ibrahim Abdu Galil of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency and Dr. Essam Elbadry Director of the Nature Conservation Affairs Agency. During the same time these letters were referred to the Egyptian authorities, there was a change in Ambassadorship. The New ambassador for Egypt to Malta His Excellency Yehya Ibrahim Elramlawy granted an interview with the investigating commission. The meeting was very cordial. During the meeting the Ambassador was very cooperative and congratulated the commission for its work to stamp out these illegalities and massacres which was badly affecting the image of his country. At the end of the meeting the commission was given the first official document prepared by the Egyptian authorities . This was a written statement, which is a memorandum from the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency. During the same month the Hon. Minister of State for Environmental affairs, Ms Nadia Makram Ebeid, wrote personally to the coordinator of the commission. Together with the letter a reply which was prepared by the nature Protection Department to the letters sent by the commission was attached. The commission considered these statements as a very positive attitude from the Egyptian side. At present good relations exists between the investigating commission and the Egyptian government.

EGYPTAIN AUTHORITIES TO CURB DOWN ON ILLEGAL HUNTING

In a letter to the investigating commission regarding the Bird Slaughter in Egypt during hunting tours, the Minister for the Environmental Affairs, the Hon. Nadia Makram Ebeid, stated that the Egyptian authorities are very concerned about the illegal hunting taking place by foreign nationals during hunting tours to Egypt. She added that they are aware of the problem and they initiated action to ensure that Maltese and foreign hunters abide by laws and regulations while on the Egyptian soil. The Minister explained that a system for bird hunting tourism existed and since l994 after infringements of the Egyptian laws during these tours, in particular by Maltese hunters who were killing large number of birds of all species regardless of their protected status. National committees advise on regulations. The Minister added that the bird hunting tourism system worked for many years, especially in the El-Fayoum area where most of the illegal hunting had taken place. She admitted that the tour companies and hunters have found loopholes and other means to get around the system and the regulations. The Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency will be meeting to recommend steps and regulations to ensure that bird hunting tourism which takes place next season will be in accordance with the Egyptian National Laws and international agreements. Following this letter by the Minister, the investigating commission received a memorandum from the EEAA which was referred to us by the Egyptian Ambassador. In this memorandum EEAA outlines the action to be taken by the Egyptian authorities to develop systems and institutions for the conservation and sustainable use of the Egypt’s wildlife resources.

The Minister urged the commission investigating the illegal slaughter of birds in Egypt to assist the Egyptian authorities` efforts by bringing this matter to the attention of the people and the authorities in Malta. She added that the hunters are to be encouraged to act in a responsible manner while in Egypt and in particular to abide by the Egyptian laws. The minister asked the group to continue monitoring the situation in Malta and inform the Egyptian authorities immediately of any violation. The Minister for the Environmental Affairs, also sent the investigating commission a letter prepared by the EEAA in reply to a number of letters which were exchanged between the Ministry and the commission. The letter amongst other things outlined the laws and regulations regarding bird protection. Speaking about statistics available about foreign hunters caught engaged in illegal hunting in Egypt it has been stated that a number of Maltese hunters were caught hunting illegally, their catch was confiscated and the Egyptian tour operators penalized. It also mentioned the case of a Maltese tour organizer who repeatedly organised bird-hunting tours violating Egyptian laws. The letter stated that he was prohibited from organising tours to Egypt. From investigations carried out it was discovered by us that this case dates back to the late eighties. Much more recent personnel who occupy a high position of local hunting tours organisation was caught in Egypt but no action was taken. The letters outline the efforts being made by the different authorities to curb down the illegalities. It mentions in particular the El-Fayoum area that is the favourite site amongst the Maltese organisers and hunters. It seems that at present there is no formal cooperation between Egypt and other countries to regulate the hunting and wildlife trade, but it has been stated that such cooperation and foreign assistance will be welcomed. Finally the letter recommends ways to improve the regulations, amongst which are stronger supervision and controls by the Ministry of Tourism on companies organising these tours, improve management and monitoring of hunting in the Governorates where foreign hunting tours are organised, and improve supervision of passengers and luggage. EEAA adds that if the violations continue next winter it will recommend that there be a ban on all bird hunting tourism to Egypt until everyone will abide by the laws. It adds that potential options will be discussed to regulate individuals hunting on their own. The memorandum referred to us by the new Egyptian Ambassador to Malta, His Excellency Yehya Ibrahim Elramlawy who was instrumental in minimising these irregularities and helpful in the preparation of this report EEAA speaks mainly on the action which is being taken during the coming season. It also speaks about the obligations of the companies that organise these hunting tours, and the legal obligations of the foreign hunters. It also speaks about the regulations concerning hunting at Nasser Lake, which apart from El-Fayoum is also becoming a favourite area amongst the Maltese hunters.

INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS AND NATIONAL LEGISLATION

The Egyptian government has signed five international conventions dealing with nature conservation namely:

1. African Convention of Nature and Natural Resources (Algier l968). This convention is complementary equivalent to the Berne Convention (l985) for Europe.

2. Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar l971). Various attempts were made by different international bodies to conserve some of the lakes in Egypt such as the lakes if Idku, Qarun, Nasser, and the Siwa Oasis. Todate, no action was undertaken by any Egyptian government for their conservation.

3. Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (Paris l972) This convention leaves room for the inclusion of natural areas apart from cultural monuments to be designated to the World Heritage.

4. Convention on the Conservation of migratory Species of wild Animals (Bonn 1979). This convention pays special attention to migratory species. It also takes special consideration for other species and their habitats Species that are listed in the endangered species appendix 1 of the convention are found in Egypt. There are other species, which are found in the appendix 2 of the convention which are also found in Egypt.

5. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Washington 1973. This convention has led to the establishment of a worldwide network of national management authorities to enforce animal trade control.

The Egyptian authorities during the last twenty years established and created a number of committees to work in the natural environment field. With the help of these committees great awareness was created. In l980 the late President Anwar Sadat established an environmental policy to protect nature. From then on this sector was developed until law no:102 of l983 dealing with nature reserves was established. This law not only offered a good legal framework for the protection of the environment but also helped to create the actual tools to work with. Several decrees were given since this law was in force.

RECOMMENDATIONS

After examining all the information available the conclusion reached by the commission was that if all those concerned work hand in hand the situation will change radically. With this line of thought in mind we would like to make our recommendations, to all those concerned.

TO THE MALTESE/EGYPTIAN COMMISSION

It is recommended that the commission made up of Maltese and Egyptian s which will be meeting in Malta in the coming months, will have the slaughter of birds in Egypt and their illegal importation into Malta on their agenda.

TO THE MALTESE HUNTERS

It is recommended that the hunters abide with the laws and regulations of both countries. They must overcome their greed and passion to kill. When such shameful illegalities take place they must always remember that it is not their name only which is being mentioned but also that of Malta.

TO ALL HUNTING TOURS ORGANISERS

It is recommended that all the genuine hunting tour organisers and travel agents will unite under one front and pool the information on the troublemakers. Those hunters who were found guilty of illegal hunting both in Malta and/or abroad, and of illegally importing protected birds will be banned from joining the hunting tours. No air tickets will be sold to these troublemakers even on individual bases when travelling to Egypt. The Authorities concerned both in Malta and in Egypt will keep data of all those involved so that they will be scrutinized on their departure and arrival and in both countries. The list can also be referred to the Association of Travel Agents in Malta to be circulated amongst its travel agents in both countries for their perusal.

TO EGYPTIAN TRAVEL AGENTS

It is recommended that Egyptian Travel agents will not make the necessary arrangements to Maltese hunters who visit Egypt for hunting purposes but not forming part of a group. If action is taken in this regard the slaughter will be controlled at large. It is a known fact that a considerable number of hunters are making use of this service to by- pass the laws and regulations of both countries. The letter sent by the Minister for the Environment made references to loopholes in the laws, which are explored by the hunters and the agents.

TO ALL HUNTING ASSOCIATIONS IN MALTA

It is recommended to all the hunting federations and groups in Malta to take disciplinary action against hunters who are found guilty of breaking the law. Action can be in the form of suspending the culprits from the association. This will make it impossible for the culprits who are breaking the law to obtain a hunting license in Malta. The hunting license is also needed in Egypt. By doing so the hunting associations and federations will be helping to control the massacres, which are taking place in Egypt and Malta.

TO AIR MALTA

It is recommended that Air Malta will terminate any preferential agreement reached between the travel agents and the company allowing an excess weight to each hunter traveling to Egypt on hunting tours. This apart from encouraging more killing of birds in Egypt, it is also a discriminating agreement Vis a Vis other passengers on the same flights. Passengers, on the same flight who are not hunters with an excess weight of more than 20 kilos have to pay extra. It is also recommended that the concession to take 500 cartridges, as special merchandise will came to an end.

EGYPT AIR

It is recommend that Egypt Air will give no preferential treatment to the hunters. This will put the airline in a disadvantage position commercially wise with AirMalta, but at the same time the airline can boost that it is environmentally friendly and that it cares for the fauna of its country. Publicity wise this will attract environmentally friendly passengers. Any agreements, which the airline might have made with travel agents and operators from which the hunters can benefit directly or indirectly, are to come to an end.

VETERINARY SERVICES IN MALTA

It is recommended that the licenses for the importation of skins will be limited to the original figure as it was in l994 that is of 12 skins and not 20.

DEPARTMENTS OF ENVIRONMENT AND CUSTOMS

It is recommended that the Customs Officials and inspectors from the Department of Environment will make regular checks ups on flights arriving from Egypt. When the tour organizers present the lists of those on hunting tours, it recommended that regular check ups take place not on the passengers mentioned only in the list but on other passengers too. It resulted to the investigating commission that there were cases that both Maltese and Egyptian passengers helped the hunters to import illegally skins of protected birds. It is also recommended that random check ups will be made even when there are no official hunting groups. This recommendation is being made following reports that a considerable number of "hunters" are visiting Egypt as tourists, they hire or obtain guns from Egypt and go on hunting tours. Egyptians are helping these for some sums of money. The necessary permits are obtained through Egyptian travel agents. These hunts are the most destructive and abusive. The hunters who travel as tourists take risks of importing illegal fauna because they know that the chances of being caught at the airport are far less than those of the hunters in organized groups. It resulted to the commission that some hunters are leaving behind them in Egypt the skins of protected species. These are being illegally imported into Malta some weeks or months after by Maltese on holiday or Egyptians who are "hired" purposely. To deceive the local authorities the passengers do not travel with Air Malta.

It is recommended to the Customs Department to check whether all the luggage declared on the air fare ticket of the passengers conform with the number of suitcases in possession of the passenger. This recommendation is being suggested because there is a possibility that passengers in possession of illegal skins will not collect all the items of his luggage and his luggage will be collected by someone else and passed on to him later. On different occasions luggage, bags, and plastic bags were left in the arrival hall of the airport and other areas, when the hunters realised that they were being watched by members of the customs, inspectorates from the Department of Environment, and administrative law enforcement police. The individuals of these undeclared belongings could have easily been traced if a check against the air ticket was made to trace the number of items of luggage. On these occasions the luggage which had the airport tags removed could have easily been traced. This practice will also makes security checks difficult . This practice would not be tolerated in ant European or American Airport.

RECOMMENDATION TO VARIOUS EGYPTIAN AUTHORITIES

The commission also wants to make its recommendations to the customs officials in Egypt who in its opinion must be much more conscious of the situation. The reason for this is that apart from the migratory birds which are everybody’s natural heritage the hunting is effecting the natural heritage of Egypt.

It is recommended that action will be taken to see that the laws and regulations of the country are not being broken. The responsible authorities are duty bound to see that the international conventions (which Egypt is a signatory to) are observed and if they are abused legal action be taken.

It is recommended that during the hunts environment officials will make surprise visits to the hunting sites and check the bird bags on the spot.

It is recommend that officials from the environment department or the police force pay visits to the hotels where the hunters are accommodated and check the freezers available for hunters and other freezers at the hotels to see that no protected species are being kept in them.

It is recommend that all luggage will be checked and x-rayed at Cairo Airport, to detect any protected birds and see that everything conforms with the certificates issued by the Cairo Zoo officials.

It is recommend that the authorities see that the travel agents, guides and other personnel involved in the hunts abide with the Egyptian laws and ensure that the interest of the country comes before the personal greed for money.

CONCLUSION

The commission is still actively investigating this issue. If the situation does not improve considerable during this winter (1998/1999) the commission will start issuing directives to Associations which are backing the work of the commission. These associations have thousand of members from all over Europe.

REFERENCES

1) Birds of Egypt by

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