Concrete for parking, or trees for a healthy environment

Wednesday evening saw a good number of people airing their views on what needs to be done to protect Malta's trees. The event was organised by the new minister for the environment and climate change, Leo Brincat.

This is not a complete picture of what was said, but a few highlights. Among the comments about over pruning of trees a member of Birdlife explained that the pruning at the wrong time was also a problem, besides the harm to the trees it was also depriving birds of their habitual nesting places.

Chain saws should be licensed and an emergency number should be available for abuse to be nipped in the bud. Education was a constant theme including the lack of control of diseases attacking our trees and the type of trees being planted. A holistic plan was recommended.

A farmer pointed out that the country is losing its fruit trees like the fig and others. The failure of the Planning and Environment Authority (MEPA) to protect Baroque gardens and trees in general to make way for development was deplored and it was good that work is in hand to separate the Environment from the Planning Authority.

Wardens and a managment plan for Buskett was called for and quality of care over quantity on tree planting was raised, also in view of water sustainability.

There was criticism of some local councils who preferred car parking spaces to trees, a view unfortunately shared by the new Parliamentary Secretary for culture Jose Herrera.

People and that includes, local councils and other entities, who destroy or damage trees should be prosecuted and heavy fines imposed was suggested.

People who could not make the consultative meeting are urged to send their comments to yoursay.environment@gov.mt