Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1536968
Cami Appelgren: 'Many think their actions are insignificant, it's not the case' MALTA Ranger Unit (MRU) founder Cami Appelgren has called on the gov- ernment to increase resources for public entities that tackle environmental crime. IN an interview with MaltaToday, Ap- pelgren discusses the MRU's journey since its inception in 2023, noting that the NGO has now reached 3,000 reports annually. WHEN asked about her experience deal- ing with environmental crimes, Appel- gren says the root of the problem boils down to a sense of entitlement some peo- ple feel they have, leading to crimes such as littering, dumping of waste, poaching and illegal fishing. I ask Appelgren, who is the MRU's chief patrolling ranger, about the criticism the NGO receives from hunters and trap- pers. She notes that those who do not welcome such enforcement on environ- mental crimes are usually guilty of sim- ilar crimes. APPELGREN says that the MRU does not take action against hunters and trap- pers, as it focuses on poachers, with the difference being that the latter operate il- legally. In fact, Appelgren says that many hunters and trappers report crimes they see happening to the MRU nowadays. IN an appeal to the public, she urges those who witness crimes against nature to report to the MRU or government au- thorities, stressing that "if we don't take care of what is ours, we will have noth- ing". Malta Ranger Unit (MRU) founder Cami Appelgren, sits down with Matthew Farrugia to discuss the challenges of tackling environmental crime in Malta, the blurred lines between hunting and poaching, and why public cooperation, and proper government support, are critical to protecting the country's natural heritage. 4 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 29 JUNE 2025 INTERVIEW