Sandra Gauci, ADPD Chairperson and Dr Ralph Cassar, Secretary General, who are both candidates for the European Parliament, met Martin Galea De Giovanni, Director and Dr Suzanne Maas, climate coordinator for Friends of the Earth Malta.

During their meeting it was agreed that a proper urban tree management and planting plan was needed.

The programme announced by the Ministry of Agriculture, of donating olive and orange trees to local councils, was discussed. Ralph Cassar, speaking from experience after serving as a local councillor, said ”the project will not succeed unless investment is first made in proper planting infrastructure for trees in urban areas.”

He said that a proper plan and technical assistance is imperative rather than just the donation of trees. “The difficulty is not buying or acquiring trees but to ensure that first properly planned tree pits are built, of the right depth and size for the trees and our streets. It would be useless and a waste of money if trees were planted in pots or in unprofessional holes in the ground.”

Cassar stressed that ”for trees to grow into big, healthy, mature and functional trees it takes a lot more than digging holes and just planting them. Either things are done professionally or else this project will end up just another photo-op.”

Various other topics were discussed, including the work of the Greens in the European Parliament and various other themes including the need for a fast transition towards renewable energy, pollution, sustainable mobility, land speculation and sustainable farming.

Photo: ADPD

Permalink: A proper urban tree management and planting plan is needed – ADPD