Partit Demokratiku today questioned the weakness of Malta's legislation in protecting our indigenous species on both public and private land. On the 28th May a Holm Oak was chopped down in Valletta, while a carob tree in Attard across from the Plant Health Directorate was also removed.

Public works, such as in Salina and Kennedy Grove, regularly lead to trees dying as an unintended consequence. (PQ 3410) There have been 65 applications approved for pruning of trees between 2017 and April 2018. Partit demokratiku deplored the destructive approach taken to tree pruning in Malta.

A public meeting on 16 May revealed that an area of carobs at Zonqor Point will be destroyed. A new road is planned leading up to a planned swimming pool and residences. (PA/00055/18) The new uphill road will additionally direct rainwater onto the property of residents, PD said.

According to the 549.64 Trees and Woodlands Protection Regulations there is a loophole whereby compensatory planning of trees provides some excuse to destroy protected species, such as carobs. It is this loophole which is likely allowing the development mentioned above to go ahead. Partit Demokratiku calls for the closing of loopholes and additional protection for trees, so that development in Malta and Gozo may be more sustainable for the sake of the long term quality of life of all.