Thirty Tree Protection Areas (TPAs) were announced by the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) today as part of its efforts to protect important sites that harbour rare and endangered trees.

In Malta there are approximately 60 native tree species of which 66% are rare or endangered.

The total number of TPAs is now 60, including seven in Gozo.

Some of the areas protect individual trees or groups of trees, such as old olive trees in Lija, the dwarf fan palm at Tal-Merħla and the mock privet at Ta’ Xuxa in the Buskett area.

Species which are not native, but are still important include the ficus tree, which is a landmark in the area known as ‘It-Tliet Siġriet’ in Sliema.

Trees within a TPA are protected from activities that may have an adverse impact on them, such as development.

Environment Minister Jose Herrera said that through such initiatives, the
government was sending a strong message in favour of the environment.

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