ERA's trees and woodlands action plan should be binding, ADPD says

Plans to increase woodland areas must be binding because good documents end up being "overruled or ignored", ADPD said.

The proposal is part of the party's submissions in the ongoing public consultation on the National Trees and Woodlands Strategy and Action Plan put forward by the Environment and Resources Authority.

“For projects to be successful, clear binding targets are essential, such as a percentage of tree cover for the whole country by 2030, and a target for local indigenous plants and trees grown within five years,” the party said.

ADPD is also proposing the monitoring of tree species that are rare, especially those with a small gene pool, that are susceptible to diseases.

The party also said each afforestation project action plan should include a timeline and method statement on removing alien species and proper management and monitoring of progress.

Tree protected areas should also be expanded, ADPD said.

The party said it necessary to allow and encourage citizens to participate. “Partnerships with individuals to plant on private land. Support and resources for individuals and voluntary organisations,” ADPD said.

The party also said the identification and acquisition of land pockets in urban areas for urban woodland parks should be one of the main priorities.

ADPD Chairperson Carmel Cacopardo said that our quality of life is being attacked by unbridled development. “If the government were half as interested in urban greenery and afforestation as it is in increasing pollution in urban areas and favouring speculators in their building frenzy, then probably Malta and Gozo would be a much better place to live,” Cacopardo said.