In a letter sent to the Environmental Landscape Consortium, the NGOs Greenhouse, Nature Trust Malta and Friends of the Earth expressed their concern about the consortium’s unsustainable practices.

While the NGOs expressed acknowledgement that the ELC had brought about a change in the rural environmental landscape of the Maltese Islands, they voiced their concerns on the rationale behind the excessive pruning of various trees that provide roosting sites for birds and shady places for passers-by especially during the summer months. Trees on the Mriehel Bypass, in Naxxar, Valletta and other places have been defoliated extensively risking the survival of such trees.

Using alien species when landscaping has been a recurrent concern for many people. Species such as the Hottentot Fig have been used, risking their escape into the surrounding countryside where they have the ability to become invasive to the detriment of native biota.

In this letter the organisations question what type of pest management is used by ELC and if any precautions are used if pesticides are applied. They also ask why the ELC insists on planting annuals instead of perennials so as to reduce the amount of organic waste produced. They raised the issue of water in areas where turf is being planted, as this requires high maintenance and a large quantity of water − when our islands are struggling to ensure a sustainable water supply.

The organisations feel that by improving on landscape practices the ELC can bring about a positive change, but if the above concerns are not addressed the NGOs feel that the urban environment will become greener at the expense of other environmentally-related elements.

Malcolm Borg, Executive Member, Greenhouse

Vincent Attard, Executive President, Nature Trust Malta

Martin Galea De Giovanni, Chairperson, Friends of the Earth