FAA successful in saving it-Tokk trees

MEPA has decided against issuing a permit for uprooting of the Ficus trees at it-Tokk, Gozo following Flimkien għal Ambjent Ahjar’s court action.

The environmental NGO had protested against the Victoria local council’s decision to have the trees from the historic square removed and offered the services of a British expert to advise the council on remedies that are available to address the problem.

The council who intended to uproot the Ficus trees and replace them with shrubs in planters had however turned down the offer.

“FAA’s legal step was intended to signal that it is prepared to take strong action to prevent further destruction of trees in Malta and Gozo.  FAA had maintained that the trees should be retained due to the increasing rate of air pollution in Victoria, since trees absorb air pollutants reducing the rate of asthma, heart disease, and even dementia,” the NGO said.

The trees, which form an historic part of Republic Square are over seventy years old and protected by law. FAA said Dutch research shows that neighbourhoods with good tree cover are significantly healthier and the presence of trees encourages people to exercise, thereby reducing the incidence of heart attacks and diabetes. 

In order to encourage the planting and care of trees, FAA is organising a seminar on care of trees in the community along with the President’s Hub for Ethnobotanical Research.

The seminar is to be presented by Ian Lansely, a consultant arborist whose work has involved him in tree management at Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, Hampton Court and the Tower Of London.   Antoine Gatt , a professional landscape architect and lecturer, will talk about the importance of green infrastructure especially in urban environments.

The seminar which will also give information to encourage the greening of Malta, has been made possible by Transport Malta.  TM and FAA are holding a parallel seminar for architects, road contractors and Local Councillors on roadside trees on Friday 5 December which will be addressed by Ian Lansley, Alfred Baldacchino and others.