Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1527863
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 13 OCTOBER 2024 6 OPINION Celebrating Malta's indigenous animals and honouring a beloved farmer AS the person responsible for animal rights, I am excited to share the wonder- ful work being done to protect our local goats and sheep. These animals are an important part of our heritage, and the exhibition that recently took place in Że- jt iż-Żejtun was a great way to showcase them. While the exhibition was only one part of the wider Żejt iż-Żejtun festivi- ties, it gave us a chance to honour these special breeds and show just how much they mean to our history, environment, and agricultural traditions. Sadly, it was also marked by the passing of Joseph Muscat, known to many as 'il-Beżuża', a renowned farmer who dedicated his life to caring for our native goats. He leaves behind an inspiring legacy that we must continue. Malta is home to unique breeds of goats and sheep that have adapted to our climate and traditions over many generations. They're not just animals; they're living parts of our history and our culture. The government, alongside organisations like the Breeds of Origin Conservancy and the Maltese Cooper- ative for Goats and Sheep (KMMN), is working hard to ensure that these spe- cial animals are protected, well cared for, and celebrated. These breeds are part of what makes our agricultural heritage unique. They contribute to our economy, provide lo- cal products, and are a key part of our rural way of life. The exhibition in Że- jtun allowed the public to meet these animals up close, learn about their im- portance, and understand how much they contribute to Malta's ecological and cultural diversity. Bringing the community together The Żejtun event was more than just a showcase of goats and sheep – it was a chance to bring people together to learn, share, and celebrate. The exhibi- tion highlighted the dedication of local farmers and breeders who work hard every day to care for our indigenous breeds. Through fun activities, compe- titions, and displays, visitors got to see the distinct characteristics of these an- imals and understand why they are so special to Malta. It's not just about looking at the an- imals – it's about understanding their story and the role they play in our ag- ricultural traditions. By involving the community, we create awareness about why we need to conserve these ani- mals and how they shape our island's identity. It's also an important step in teaching younger generations about the importance of animal welfare and agri- culture. Protecting our indigenous goats and sheep doesn't just happen by itself. It takes the hard work of farmers, breed- ers, and animal welfare groups. As a government, our goals include: • Conserving indigenous breeds: En- suring the survival of these animals by supporting breeding programmes and conservation efforts. • Supporting farmers: Providing re- sources and training to farmers to help them maintain healthy, happy animals while preserving traditional farming methods. • Educating the public: Hosting events like the exhibition at Żejt iż-Że- jtun to teach people about the impor- tance of these animals and how they fit into our agricultural heritage. • Promoting sustainability: Ensuring that our farming practices are environ- mentally friendly and that our indige- nous breeds continue to thrive in Mal- ta's unique landscape. Remembering 'il-Bezuza' Joseph Muscat, better known as 'il- Beżuża', was a beloved farmer who ded- icated his life to raising Maltese goats. 'Il-Beżuża' was one of the few remain- ing traditional caretakers of our indig- enous breeds, and his knowledge and passion for these animals were truly exceptional. His passing is a reminder of the im- portance of preserving our traditional ways of farming and ensuring that the next generation understands the value of our indigenous animals. 'Il-Beżuża's' dedication inspires us all to continue this vital work and support those who, like him, have committed their lives to caring for Malta's unique breeds. A bright future for Malta's animals The inclusion of the indigenous goats and sheep exhibition in the Żejt iż-Że- jtun festival is a promising sign that our community cares deeply about animal welfare and conservation. It shows that when we come together, we can cele- brate, learn, and make a difference for our animals and our cultural heritage. This success encourages us to keep up the momentum, and we will contin- ue working closely with farmers, local councils, and animal welfare groups to promote the well-being of all animals in Malta. Our government is committed to sup- porting efforts to improve animal wel- fare, preserve our indigenous breeds, and promote sustainable farming prac- tices. By doing so, we not only protect our animals, but also uphold our traditions, support our farmers, and ensure a sus- tainable future for all. But conserving Malta's indigenous breeds is something everyone can be a part of. Here are a few simple ways how you can get involved: • Learn more: Take time to read about our indigenous goats and sheep, and how they contribute to our culture and environment. • Support local farmers: Buy local products from farmers who raise indig- enous breeds and support sustainable practices. • Attend community events: Partic- ipate in events like Żejt iż-Żejtun to learn more and show your support for Malta's agricultural heritage. By doing these small things, you can help ensure that our indigenous breeds continue to thrive, and that our rich farming traditions live on. Together, let's celebrate our animals, honour our heritage, and work toward a bright fu- ture for all in Malta. Alicia Bugeja Said is parliamentary secretary for animal rights Alicia Bugeja Said Malta is home to unique breeds of goats and sheep