WhyiGaming recently met with the MRU for a catch-up on their operations, and to hear how they have been working hard to raise awareness and build up their presence across the Maltese islands, since their official launch in 2023. Today, the NGO – which is entirely funded by donations and sponsors – comprises a small number of full-time patrolling rangers, plus one who handles all the vital administration work, and who also patrols part-time. The MRU is also aiming to increase the number of Ranger volunteers, who can step in to support them in their work where needed.
Of course, the more rangers the MRU have in the field, the better their ability to fulfil their core function, which is the monitoring and documenting of environmental illegalities, the reporting of these to the appropriate authorities, and then functioning as witnesses in resulting prosecutions, with all the responsibility which that entails:
‘In addition to having rangers on the ground, it is also extremely important that we have efficient processes, as we need to be effective in following up on the many ongoing court cases we have, and coordinating with various authorities and bodies. We need to be well organised, as a large part of our work is creating detailed case files, which can include geo-location data, report numbers, supporting information and statistics, which we supply to the police to aid in their prosecutions. We also need an efficient system for taking reports from the public, and for logging our own reports.’
Some images from our recent meeting with rangers from the MRU, showing their new patrol vehicle purchased with a grant from the Malta Environment Foundation.
The MRU are keen to point out that they have no policing or enforcement powers themselves; they are simply a group of dedicated private individuals committed to supporting the officers of the Environmental Protection Unit of the Malta Police Force – and more than ten other authorities tasked with tackling environmental crimes – in the vital work of protecting Malta’s environment and wildlife, to ensure biological diversity and access to unspoilt countryside for future generations. They also point out that there are currently no EPU officers stationed on Gozo, which makes the MRU’s work there much more logistically challenging.
The MRU’s main areas of focus are illegal littering, illegal fires/burning of waste, illegal fishing, illegal poaching, illegal construction in Natura 2000, Outside Development Zone (ODZ) or other protected areas, the illegal dumping of construction waste and vehicle, air and noise pollution, plus monitoring unregistered waste carriers, which is a gargantuan task for such a small organisation with limited resources.
Increasing public support
Another aim of the MRU is to increase levels of public awareness about environmental legislation, for example through educational campaigns, press interviews and social media. Public opinion certainly seems to be building behind the rangers these days, as people begin to understand the vital nature of the work they are doing, even if they regularly face misinformation campaigns, threats and obstruction from those elements in society who don’t appreciate their watchful presence in the countryside.
For the most part, though, they get positive reactions when they appear in public, for instance when making visits to schools, businesses or attending public events, with people approaching to ask questions about the work they do, and asking how they can get involved. And if they do see anything concerning or illegal occurring when out on patrol, their first step is always to inform those responsible about regulations and the reasons why they are important. Normally it is only in cases where they are met with refusal to comply, aggression or repeated lawbreaking that they contact the EPU, who usually appear promptly on the scene.
Some recent environmental initiatives at Ghadira Bay and Qalet Marku, where the MRU turned out to support, participate and advise.
The Malta rangers are also busy strengthening ties with other ranger units abroad, like the recent visits by the Italian Voluntari D’Europa and members of the California State Park Rangers Association (CSPRA).
WhyiGaming were present when the MRU were officially launched as an NGO in July 2023, and we have collaborated on a number of environmental initiatives since, as well as donating funds and helping promote their operations to the iGEN membership.
From the outset the MRU have been an independent organisation, wholly funded by sponsors and private donations, in order to be able to carry out their work without risk of outside interference, or pressure to turn a blind eye to certain environmental illegalities. As a consequence they are always looking to find new ways to secure finances to keep their operations going.
From left: the official launch of the MRU in July 2023; one of many, many cleanups at Qalet Marku; the visit from the Italian Voluntari D’Europa.
Among potential fund-raising ideas the MRU are exploring are Ranger-lead company team-building events, with camp-outs and barbecues, where participants learn about environmental regulations such as where it is legal to camp and how to safely make fires. Another idea being proposed is raffling off of donated surplus Xmas hampers and other company giveaways to raise funds, and they also have a Patreon account where supporters can donate, from as little as €1 per month.
‘More financial support is needed, and every donation helps, no matter how small. The support from organisations like iGEN helps to keep the Rangers fed, the equipment functioning and the patrol vehicle fuelled. If you want to see our work continuing, please donate.’
You can read more about the Malta Ranger Unit, and how you can help support them at https://www.facebook.com/MaltaRangerUnit