The Education, Science and Culture Centre (ESCC), based at the Lunzjata Valley in Gozo, has said that it is taking all precautions to preserve the variety of long existing trees within the valley, which is located between Victoria and Kercem.

It said that this will be possible through the elimination/control of alien and invasive species of trees which unfortunately from time to time increase in population.

The Schinus terebinthifolius (Is-Sigra tal-bzar, Brazilian pepper tree, Upright false pepper) from the Anacardiaceae family is the most prevailing species in the valley, since it is a prolific seed producer and also propagates easily. From what has been observed, the ESCC said that Schinus terebinthifolius had been used as an ornamental tree some metres away and as a consequence it's seeds were carried through rainwater and then deposited in the valleys' soil and rock cavities.

In this regard the ESCC is coordinating a collective effort between the Ministry for Gozo and the Environment and Resources Authority. to obtain the necessary permits to have these alien species removed at the earliest possible.

Photographs by The Education, Science and Culture Centre

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