The recent act of vandalism at Il-Majjistral Nature and History Park was just one in a string of shameful acts that seriously dishearten those who work so hard for the protection of our natural environment.

Just over a month ago, vandals broke into Xrobb l-Għaġin Nature Park and Sustainable Development Centre, stealing tools, wheelbarrows and other equipment, as well as about 170 trees.

And while many have condemned the acts of vandalism, and businesses have even offered to help make good for the damage, maybe the time has come for businesses to go one step further and take on a bigger role in the fight against vandalism.

Although this might not be possible for every park and managed natural site, businesses might be able to help site managers with monitoring and security by sponsoring closed-circuit television systems and monitoring the site remotely. In this way, businesses will be taking ownership of a particular site and help keeping it free of vandals. This could easily be done in places such as Xrobb l-Għagin, possibly certain areas of Il-Majjistral Nature and History Park, and also Wied Għollieqa, which has been targeted numerous times over the past years.

T. Borg, Żejtun