AD blames government for loss of palm trees

Alternattiva Demokratika has blamed the government for the environmental damage that is being caused by the Red Palm Weevil, which attacks palm trees.

The government refuted the charge.

The Green Party said that in a short time the Red Palm Weevil has managed to eliminate scores of palm trees at Salina, St Paul's Bay, Mosta, Attard and Ta' Xbiex, as can be seen from dead palm trees in these areas, the Green Party said.

It expressed sympathy with all those who have along the years nurtured such palm trees in their private gardens, where they are now established. Besides giving character to the surroundings, many are also of historical value, it said.

"Alternattiva Demokratika cannot but put the blame on the government for the way it is handling afforestation and tree protection in the Maltese Islands, without any policy and without any strategy whatsoever. If one looks at government projects, one cannot but notice the great percentage of imported trees that are being planted. And imported trees carry the potential for disease and the introduction of new species to the Maltese Islands, as in the case of the Red Palm Weevil."

AD chairman Harry Vassallo appealed to the government to handle afforestation in a professional way, by putting ecological protection before profit.

He also appealed to the government to plant local trees to ensure that no diseases and pests are introduced and to create employment in the supply of locally grown trees, instead of utilising the money to buy imported trees. This approach would also maximise resources.

"Unfortunately during the following months, more dead palm trees will haunt the Maltese people. In no uncertain way, they will be demonstrating the government's failure in its environmental vision," Dr Vassallo said.

The Ministry for Rural Affairs and the Environment said it was disappointed that AD made such comments without first confirming the facts.

Contrary to AD's remark that the Weevil had come to Malta via the importation of trees in general, the insect only lives on palm trees, thus it could have only been brought through the palm trees. And these do not form part of the government's afforestation projects, the ministry said.

Any palm trees used in other embellishment projects carried out by the government were always accompanied by the necessary certification.

The ministry also complained that AD's comments suggest that the infestation is only evident in Malta, while it is in fact a problem in other EU countries. Although it isn't necessary for trees imported from the EU to be inspected, the supplier has to confirm that the trees are healthy.

The ministry said it would continue to take all necessary measures to ensure that the infestation is brought under control.