During a press conference held by BirdLife Malta, Din l-Art Helwa and the Ministry for Rural Affairs and the Environment, the conservation organisation expressed its appreciation to the Maltese population for its unprecedented support to the Foresta 2000 project.

The organisations announced that a three-day tree-planting weekend will be held between 19 and 21October with the aim of launching the replanting of more trees than those vandalised.

“Maltese as well as foreigners living in Malta were justly outraged by the cowardly act last May when some still-unknown individuals damaged or destroyed 3,000 trees and shrubs at the Foresta 2000 site,” Joseph Mangion, BirdLife Malta president said. “It is indeed to everybody’s credit that donations towards the re-planting of more trees than were destroyed have been collected. This is an indisputable sign that nature and wildlife are very dear to all in Malta and efforts to enhance and protect our natural heritage are welcomed by the vast majority.”

“I call on the Maltese authorities to do everything in their power to bring those responsible for damaging the trees at the Foresta 2000 site to justice, also in view of the outpour of solidarity shown from all corners. Criminal acts like this cannot and should not go unpunished,” he concluded.

The Foresta 2000 afforestation project is managed by BirdLife Malta, DLH and the PARKS department of MRAE. The aim is to create a Mediterranean forest that will become an attraction for both Maltese and foreigners wanting to explore and enjoy nature. Nature trails are being planned that will take hikers through the groves of native trees. The intention is also to attract birds and other fauna to the area. Much of the native flora species being planted will provide a food source throughout the year for birds and mammals.

During the tree-planting weekend, guided tours will be carried out at the Ghadira Nature Reserve and the site of the EU LIFE Yelkouan Shearwater Project based in Mellieha.

To find out more about the Foresta 2000 site as well as to contribute to the project, please visit www.birdlifemalta.org. Donations can be made directly through the website or through BirdLife’s dedicated APS account 20000166561.