The Environment and Resources (ERA) has looked into the case concerning the trees that were uprooted from St. Julians.
The Authority confirms that these trees are not protected under environmental legislation, because they are of the invasive alien type, and a threat to the native plant species found in the natural environment. In view of this, the ERA could not request that these same trees be transplanted in the natural environment.
The decision to uproot the trees and not relocate them elsewhere, was taken after the ERA stated the above and following consultation with the Agriculture Department, who confirmed that the trees were too old to be replanted in a contained environment, such as in a garden. Notwithstanding that the trees in question could not be replanted or relocated, it was considered that the residents should not have to bear the loss of trees from the locality and requested that 13 olive trees be planted as compensation. The Olive trees will be planted in Wied Għomor.
The Environment and Resources Authority is currently evaluating how trees which are not ecologically significant, but are of social value, are still afforded protection under environmental legislation in line with the principles of sustainable development. This is so as to ensure that decisions taken to respect this law strike a balance between the social, economic and environmental aspects. The ERA is conducting this task in collaboration with the Ministry for Sustainable Development, Environment and Climate Change and shall be issuing the amended regulations for a public consultation in due course.
