The Poachers Trail: Part 1

About this episode

The episode investigates the poaching of migratory birds by Maltese hunters in Egypt and the implications for conservation efforts.

For 15 months, The New Arab , in cooperation with Bridges Investigations, explored the shadowy world of Maltese bird hunters. We uncovered how Maltese hunters, frustrated by local laws, were travelling to Egypt to slaughter migratory birds in vast numbers. Their hunting activities have been described as an environmental disaster, and a threat to the thousands of migratory birds who rely on Egyptian wetlands. We went undercover in Fayoum. Followed the smuggling routes from Egypt’s lakes to Maltese homes. And saw how Europe’s conservation efforts collapse when its citizens pull the trigger abroad. This is more than a story of poaching. It’s about wasted conservation money, destroyed ecosystems, and a system that rewards hunters while silencing conservationists.  The Poachers Trail was a investigation by The New Arab and Bridges Investigations ( @BRIDGES4I ), with the support of the Journalism Fund Europe ( @journalismfund ).  It was written and hosted by Mahmoud Elsobky ( @ElsobkyMahmoud_ ), with additional help from Wael El-Sayegh. Andrea Glioti is The New Arab’s Investigation editor.  This podcast was produced by Hugo Goodridge.  To get in touch with the…

People in this episode

Host: Mahmoud Elsobky

Topics covered

• poaching
• environment
• conservation
• migratory birds
• investigation
• hunting

Keywords

• poaching
• Maltese hunters
• migratory birds
• environmental disaster
• conservation efforts

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The New Arab, Bridges Investigations

Places: Egypt, Maltese, Fayoum

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