In its efforts to promote the conservation of biodiversity, the Biological Conservation Research Foundation (BICREF) stresses the need to protect typical local green areas, coastal areas and the sea. This week being International Forest Week, BICREF points out the importance of trees and shrubs that have evolved and adapted to live here, and in particular those listed as endangered or protected by law. One well-known example is the Maltese national tree the Arar – gharghar in Maltese – (tetraclinis articulata), a rare species listed under the Trees and Woodlands (Protection) Regulations of the Environment Protection Act of 2001 (LN 12, CAP. 348) as a Strictly Protected Tree.

The List of Trees Having an Antiquarian Importance Order of 1933 (Subsidiary Legislation 54.02) was formed to protect valuable tree groupings, such as the groups of ancient holm-oaks (quercus ilex) at Wardija and Imsiebah, which are remnants of the ancient forests that once covered the country.

Wild thyme (thymus capitatus), a typical Maltese shrub, is protected by a separate law, Subsidiary Legislation 10.10 of 1932.

The list of protected trees and shrubs is long, yet Maltese trees and flora are increasingly threatened in many ways: the introduction of new species from abroad can dominate and alter the genetic identity of the local flora. In addition, these species need protection from the fires, pollution, vandalism, cutting for firewood and clearing for land development that so often go uncontrolled.

Regulations that demand the replanting of endemic trees removed from their natural location are a step in the right direction, but it can be difficult to find another suitable place for these trees, and it is no compensation for the wildlife community that is uprooted along with the tree.

International Forest Week in Malta is a reminder of the biodiversity that has been lost from the Maltese Islands, and a call to protect what remains. The IUCN (2006) reports that the Mediterranean faces a severe loss of its flora. In the light of this loss, while also keeping in mind the expected future effects of climate change, foresight is needed to equip our green areas with diversity that will be able to survive for years to come.

BICREF regularly runs its field surveys to monitor biodiversity in local conservation areas. Anyone interested in helping to conserve local wildlife should contact BICREF to find out how to become an active member.from the website www.bicref.org or by email to bicref @gmail.com