Malta lacking serious afforestation plan, report finds

Despite several afforestation initiatives over the years, there is still no consolidated national effort to extend the coverage of wooded areas in a coordinated and systematic manner for both conservation and social ends, according to a report drawn up by two top ecological experts

Government is looking to create a smaller version of Buskett grounds (pictured) in the centre of the island
Government is looking to create a smaller version of Buskett grounds (pictured) in the centre of the island

Malta has yet to implement a serious afforestation exercise and to fully embrace large-scale ecological restoration projects, according to a report drawn up by ecology experts Louis F. Cassar and Elisabeth Conrad.

The report notes that despite several afforestation initiatives over the years, there was no consolidated national effort to extend the coverage of wooded areas in a coordinated and systematic manner for both conservation and social ends.

The report – commissioned by the environment ministry and now opened to public consultation – was launched by environment minister Jose Herrera on Tuesday.

“It would have been unwise for me not to action this report, which will complement other developments aimed to increase Malta’s natural capital and which will be announced in the coming weeks”, Herrera said. 

The minister said he believed the report – which also gives detailed information on the present situation of tree planting in various sites and localities in Malta – could definitely serve as an overarching vision and philosophy for actual and effective implementation of an afforestation strategy.

The report proposes a series of phases and actions that need to be taken, and which the minister said would make a marked difference to Malta’s natural capital.