A national outline plan on the potential of afforestation for Malta is being prepared by Louis F. Cassar at the request of the Environment Ministry.
Mr Brincat said that this plan needed to undertake a stock-take of the existing situation and efforts embarked upon related to afforestation and identify the long term action required to safeguard and manage existing sites, the potential for woodland creation and management in suitable locations.
It should ensure that proposals were in line with the national biodiversity strategy, contribute to national action on climate change and provide new space for informal recreation that support an improvement in the quality of life for communities.
The minister said the findings would be examined by the ministry in a consultative manner and the proposals would then be forwarded for the government’s consideration.
The report by Prof. Cassar is expected to be submitted by mid October.