After five years of negotiations, Din l-Art Ħelwa (DLĦ) and Din l-Art Ħelwa Għawdex (DLĦGħ) have managed to reduce the number of trees being uprooted as part of the Marsalforn road widening project.

Originally, over 200 mature trees were set to be removed, but following discussions with the Ministry for Gozo, that number has now been reduced to 13 mature trees.

An additional 86 trees will be transplanted back to the site, while 202 mature trees will remain untouched. To offset the loss, the Ministry has also committed to planting 300 new trees, while the two iconic central rows of trees that define this scenic valley will also be retained.

Meanwhile, out of 390 low-lying shrubs, 131 will be uprooted, while five rare shrubs will be transplanted elsewhere.

The project area has also been slightly reduced, with 5,175 square metres of expropriated land now being left in its natural state and planted with trees instead of being paved over.

DLĦGħ founder Godfrey Swain acknowledged the breakthrough, saying that while the project is still far from ideal, the discussions showed a willingness to protect Gozo’s countryside and could serve as a model for future infrastructure projects.

However, Din l-Art Ħelwa maintains that these roadworks were unnecessary beyond simple resurfacing and fixing danger spots. Many Gozitan residents have voiced this sentiment, saying that the road never experiences a high amount of traffic which could justify a road-widening project.

Executive President Patrick Calleja warned that the biggest risk remains the urbanisation of the route, which could permanently damage the biodiversity and rural charm of one of Gozo’s most picturesque valleys.

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