A consultation meeting yesterday heard calls for the appointment of a Tree Custodian to protect the trees of Malta and Gozo.

The meeting was organised by the Environment Ministry ahead of the drafting of legislation to improve the protection of trees.

Other proposals made yesterday included the holding of courses for architects and construction workers to ensure they can protect trees and if required, efficiently and safely move them during development projects.

Several calls were made for a streamlining of regulations on the regulatory authorities for the protection of trees.

Stress was placed on the need for the planting of indigenous trees rather than trees which were unsuited for Malta.

Environment Minister Leo Brincat said development and the environment could co-exist. He reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthen the law to protect the trees, particularly in urban areas.

He said the consultation process would continue and people would be invited to make their suggestions directly to the committee.