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Trees and Woodlands Protection Regulations, 2018 (L.N. 258 of 2018).

Country/Territory
Malta
Document type
Regulation
Date
2018
Source
FAO, FAOLEX
Subject
Forestry, Wild species & ecosystems
Keyword
Forest management/forest conservation Forest species Forestry protection measures Biodiversity Alien species Offences/penalties Cultural heritage Wild flora Management/conservation Protection of species
Geographical area
Europe, Europe and Central Asia, European Union Countries, Mediterranean, Southern Europe
Abstract

The objectives of these regulations are to protect trees and woodlands in the Maltese Islands, safeguard them, and to regulate the activities that may have an effect thereon. The Trees and Woodland Protection Regulations build on, and ameliorate, the previous trees and woodland Regulations by affording additional protection to trees and woodlands in the Maltese Islands. About 90 different tree species are now protected under the new Regulations. Moreover, mature trees over 50 years of age that are found in urban, public, open spaces are now protected, irrespective of what species it is. The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) will also be able to apply a number of other measures to mitigate adverse impacts on trees by limiting the activity of an intervention, transplanting within or outside the site, and demanding compensatory planting. The obligations set out under these Regulations are also supported by substantial increases in penalties, which are based on the rarity or protection status of the trees. The penalties also distinguish between interventions that result in the destruction or death of the tree (highest penalty), and other lesser interventions. The Regulations also allow ERA to impose administrative fines for infringements against these Regulations.

Full text
English
Website
era.org.mt