Why our environment is quite important

A number of major road and infrastructure works in Malta have promised to add green elements to the constructions. But when it comes to protecting our environment, suggestions of formal recreational areas are being proposed as opposed to preserving natural green reserves. 

Did you know that in 2019 the Swiss Institute of Integrative Biology suggested that planting 1 trillion trees (that's 1 and 12 Zeros) is necessary to stop and mitigate the adverse effects of Climate Change?
Which wouldn't only cost a lot, but would need a lot of space to be converted back to woodlands and grasslands. 

Just think, as the country can develop and spread concrete, limestone and asphalt, the same can be done through reforestation. Reforestation is the term used to describe an non-forested land being seeded and handled to produce a woodland. Although this reverse process may seem like a substantial task, this was previously done in Malta in the 70's which produced the areas of Miżieb and L-Aħrax that we know today. 

pexels-polina-kovaleva-7648883 (2).jpgThe benefits of having a few trees along a roadside or roundabout are basically cosmetic when it comes to considering the real purpose that trees serve. Although they are praised and recognized for their purpose in creating healthy and clean air for us to breathe, they are also great water barriers and can prevent flooding with their complex rooting and shrubs. Their ability to absorb and maintain a sustainable groundwater supply may be overlooked as a key solution to flooding which occurs when heavy rains reach our Island. 

Hence, just as Miżieb and L-Aħrax which are enjoyed by the citizens as 'get aways' into nature, more efforts could be done to provide the country with more public spaces to enjoy and explore. None the less, having greener spaces within cities and towns would allow more pedestrians to enjoy the public spaces, maybe a larger scale green-wash should be proposed to our Island.

What do you think of reforestation, and should we aim for more wooded spaces as opposed to development projects which include trees? Join our discussion and make your voice heard in the comments!