Authorities should stop destruction of trees

FAA’s Tree Group called on the authorities today to intervene 'without delay' to stop the uncontrolled destruction of trees in the Maltese islands.  

In a statement, the organisation said that while it appreciated the fact that local funds were being made available for ‘landscaping’ activities, and the government had intervened to acquire European Union financial assistance in this regard, the way such funds were being used fell short of expectations as much more could be done with better planning and management.

The group said noted that a number of trees were removed, uprooted or destroyed in various parts of the country, such as Fgura, Zebbug, Cospicua, Rabat, Mdina Ditch, Mellieha, Luqa, Santa Lucia, Raħal Gdid, Marsa and Victoria and Xewkija. More destruction was envisaged in the EU TenT-financed project at Salina Road and Kennedy Grove.

Such destruction was unfortunately encouraging individuals who are joining such destruction and cutting trees in outside development zones and urban areas, without any enforcement by the respective Government entities.