Imagine strolling through the lush, green valleys of Malta’s countryside, not just admiring the scenic beauty, but also recognizing the animals grazing there as part of our island’s rich history. Sadly, this isn’t the case today. Our indigenous livestock breeds, which once roamed freely, are now on the brink of extinction. But a new project is aiming to change that.

The State of Our Indigenous Livestock

Malta’s unique geographical isolation has led to the evolution of distinct livestock breeds over centuries. However, intensive farming practices and the import of foreign breeds have put our indigenous ones at risk. According to the FAO, the Maltese cow, sheep, goat, and chicken are all critically endangered.

In the heart of Rabat, at the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA), I met with Dr. Noel Dalli, the project coordinator. He explained, “We’re losing our rural heritage. These animals are part of Malta’s DNA. We’re here to change that narrative.”

The Project: Reviving Our Rural Heritage

The project, launched earlier this year, aims to preserve and promote our indigenous livestock. It’s a collaborative effort involving MEPA, the Ministry for Rural Affairs and the Environment, and local farmers. The goal? To increase the population of these breeds and integrate them into modern farming practices.

Here’s how they plan to do it:

• Breeding Programs: The project will establish breeding programs to increase the number of indigenous animals.
• Education and Awareness: They’ll organize workshops and seminars to educate farmers about the importance of these breeds and how to care for them.
• Market Promotion: The project will promote the sale of products derived from these animals, such as cheese and meat, to increase demand and profitability.

The Road Ahead

The project faces challenges, not least the high cost of maintaining these breeds and the need to change farming practices. But Dr. Dalli is optimistic. “We’ve seen success stories in other countries. There’s no reason Malta can’t follow suit,” he said.

In the coming months, the project will launch a public awareness campaign. You’ll see billboards, social media posts, and maybe even catch a glimpse of these unique animals at local events. The goal? To make our indigenous livestock a familiar sight once again.

So, next time you’re driving through the Maltese countryside, keep an eye out for these endangered breeds. They’re not just animals; they’re a part of our history, our culture, our rural heritage. And now, they’re fighting for a future.