UK photographer Ewan Heath-Flynn has won the gold award in the conservation category.

“A Maltese hunter stands proud, having legally shot a European Turtle Dove, a prized quarry on the island,” he said.

“European Union legislation bans the hunting of Turtle Doves in the breeding season.

“Nevertheless, across the Mediterranean, an estimated 0.34–0.87 million are killed every year.

“Generations of Maltese have hunted this species on migration; a few continue to hunt and follow tradition.

“In 2017, Malta introduced a spring hunting moratorium, which left some hunters feeling their ‘traditional’ way of life had been spoilt.

“Unfortunately, the ban was lifted in 2022, allowing European Turtle Doves to be killed once again.

“The decision has the potential to dramatically impact and further damage this beautiful bird’s chances of survival and drive it further towards extinction.

“BirdLife International and their partner BirdLife Malta both condemn the hunting”.