In Photos: Mature Ficus Trees Uprooted From Floriana, To Be Transplanted In Mosta
A number of mature Ficus trees were recently uprooted from an urban green area in Floriana, and set to be transplanted in Mosta.
Lovin Malta was notified by a frequenter of the area, who also sent multiple photos that depict how the trees were removed from the green spaces located in the busy parts of Floriana.
Visitors of the area lamented that these trees should have remained in place, stressing that as they were, they provided ample shade to help combat the hot summer days.
Such trees are protected by the Trees and Woodlands Protection Regulations (LN12 of 2001), which is why a permit was required prior to any interventions.
Speaking with Lovin Malta, a spokesperson for the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) confirmed that it was Heritage Malta that requested authorisation to transplant the trees.
“Heritage Malta requested authorisation to transplant the indicated trees, relocating them to another area of the same site and in a separate site managed by the same entity in Mosta. No trees were destroyed as part of these works,” the spokesperson told Lovin Malta.
“ERA inspected the site and confirmed that the transplanting works were carried out in line with the respective permits.”
“ERA is also informed that Heritage Malta is planning to add more new trees in the same area in Floriana.”
This is far from the first case dealing with uprooted trees over the last few months, with trees that are not endemic to Malta typically being targeted.
Furthermore, Malta has an incredibly low success rate at transplanting trees, which multiple being lost in the past.
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