Do not let this turn into a scorched and uncomfortable place for both locals and visitors, the Malta Tourism Society has warned, adding its voice to the outcry over the destruction of Malta’s trees.
The Tourism Society called for collective action, expressing its concern over the recent “increased destruction of trees, shrubs and greenery”.
The islands were not blessed with vast swathes of forests, herbaceous areas and extensive rural land, it noted.
The recent spate of removing trees, especially related to providing wider roads to accommodate an ever-increasing number of vehicles, did not augur well for a long-term sustainable strategy.
“We need to take collective, responsible and practical action to ensure these islands do not turn into a scorched and uncomfortable place,” the society added.
We need to take collective, responsible and practical action
While the argument behind the destruction of trees was the easing of traffic on busy roads, this should be part of a long-term strategy to change behaviour that was dependent on private car usage.
It called for “serious” discussions by all stakeholders, including the national and local governments, the business community and the public.
The outcome of such an initiative should lead to a national campaign to promote greener open spaces and a more efficient and effective public transport system, the society said.
The statement follows an outcry by Balzan residents as two landmark trees in Triq il-Wied were uprooted just days after works on the street were announced. The trees are planned to be relocated to a public garden a few roads away.
The upgrade is intended to support the planned €55-million Central Link project, which aims to upgrade the arterial thoroughfare between Saqqajja Hill in Rabat and the Mrieħel bypass.
The project has itself attracted criticism in recent days following plans to uproot mature Aleppo pine trees from along the so called Rabat Road.
The plans have been revised since, and only three trees will be affected, according to an official announcement.