🔴 Press Release 2/2023: The Malta Ranger Unit condemns the decision by the ERA – Environment & Resources Authority to allow the destruction of decades-old ficus trees in Mosta square. Each of those large trees is protected as per the Trees and Woodland Protection Regulations which were made law in 2018 (S.L 549.123).
Our rangers patrol several woodland areas and educate the public about these important regulations. They make sure no one harms any protected tree under their watch by being on the look out for anyone cutting trees or kindling fire close to protected trees, which is prohibited by the above mentioned law.
When government allows such trees to be cut with impunity, it makes our work to protect the environment harder. Rampant and pointless destruction sends a message to the general public that the law is not for everyone.
Protected trees should be really protected, without the possibility for side-stepping. Projects planned in areas with protected trees should only be approved if the said trees remain there and projects are planned around them especially if those projects are labelled “green”, as with Project Green in this case. In no circumstances should healthy, protected trees be taken down or transplanted.
At present, the law enables authorities to allow any protected tree to be destroyed or transplanted, in many cases dying in the process, as long as arrangements are done to plant other, tiny saplings that will take several lifetimes to reach full size. Government should close the loophole and give protected trees full protection. In any construction project where protected trees grow, it must be planned around those trees.
It is imperative that government, public bodies and councils are role models that respect the spirit of the law rather than guiding people towards exploiting loopholes to further destruction. Protection of what we have is a priority.
The public may read the full law here:
https://legislation.mt/eli/sl/549.123/eng/pdf
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‼️Our Rangers will be present at the protest announced by Moviment Graffitti, tomorrow at 18:30 hrs.
👉 You should all be there too.
These trees can still be safeguarded by not being uprooted and allowed to thrive on site again.
#MaltaRangerUnit
#environment
#Protection
#TreesAndWoodlands
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by NoMansCat