There are now more environmental groups in Malta than there are trees, according to a new study.
The study, conducted by Professor Imona Jetski from the American University of Malta, shows that, as of this week, there are 452 separate groups dedicated to preserving trees and the wider natural environment.
Meanwhile, the total number of trees currently stands at 437.
“On Monday morning alone, 20 new groups were formed, including Tree Protection Society, The Society For The Protection of Trees, and the unaffiliated Soċjetà Għall-Protezzjoni tas-Siġar,” Prof Jetski said.
“By the afternoon, a number of people from the Society For The Protection Of Trees broke away and formed The Society For The Protection Of Trees Except Invasive Species,” Prof Jetski added.
After the SPT received a death threat in the evening, a group calling itself The Society For The Protection of The Society For The Protection of Trees also sprang up the following day.
Pro Jetski said that if the current trend continues, she predicted that thousands of groups would end up campaigning to save a single tree.
Meanwhile, all 452 current group leaders will be meeting tomorrow to try and agree on the precise date, time and agenda of a planned protest.
“We’ll only cooperate if we come up with a plan that absolutely everyone agrees with,” the head of the SPT told Bis-Serjetà.
