30 new tree protection areas announced

The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) has announced 30 new tree protection areas in Malta, designated as sites that host rare or endangered trees.

These include a group of old olive trees in Lija, dwarf fan palms in Mtahleb, olive trees in Buskett, and the ‘Tliet Sigriet’ in Sliema.

This means that there are now 60 tree protection areas across Malta, Gozo and Comino.

Environment minister Jose Herrera warned that around 66% of the 60 or so indigenous trees in Malta are either rare or endangered, but that with such initiatives the government is sending out a strong pro-environment message.

“Trees are important natural resources, both for the ecological and environmental value but also for the economy,” he said. “In Malta, trees are limited but a valuable resource for our landscape, which is one of many reasons why we should do our utmost to preserve them.”