Disbelief at approval of the removal of hundreds of trees on Comino

Today’s decision by the Environment and Resources Authority to approve works that pave the way for the removal of hundreds of trees on Comino comes as yet another blow to the environment. At a time when Maltese and Gozitan communities are witnessing the loss of trees and green spaces almost daily, this decision sends the message that environmental protection continues to take second place to development interests.

Every day, residents across Malta are protesting against the destruction of trees, objecting to overdevelopment, and demanding more green public spaces. Yet, instead of heeding these concerns, the authorities continue to approve decisions that undermine public trust and weaken our natural environment for the benefit of the few who keep on enriching themselves on what should belong to all.

This decision also raises a fundamental question about the Government’s electoral slogan, “Ħolma Tieghek. Proġett Tagħna.” What did this promise actually mean? If protecting Malta’s natural heritage was truly part of that project, as Abela and many Labour Party candidates have repeatedly stated, why are citizens still seeing valleys, open spaces, and now hundreds of trees sacrificed?

Katya Compagno, executive member of Momentum, said, “The Government cannot claim to champion environmental protection while allowing these shocking decisions that lead to the large-scale destruction of trees and habitats. Fine words and electoral slogans mean little if they are not reflected in action.”

Momentum calls on the Government to explain how today’s decision is compatible with its repeated commitments to environmental protection and to clarify what concrete steps it intends to take to ensure that Malta’s remaining natural areas are genuinely safeguarded for future generations, as in this case on our island Comino.

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