Mar 04 - GSD Voices Concern Over Barbary Partridge Habitat Development
The GSD Opposition is concerned that Government has instructed a private company to cut down trees in the green area which is immediately north of St. Bernard's chapel -through which a pathway leads to Jacob's ladder and Windmill Hill- in order to proceed with the importation of Partridges from Morocco.
Upon being notified by the public, Shadow Spokesperson for the Environment, The Hon. Jaime Netto visited the site, and was told by the employees of the company that instructions had been given to cut down the trees in order to provide a habitat for the partridges that are to arrive soon from Morocco. The workers informed Mr. Netto that they were just following orders.
The matter of ensuring the survival of the Barbary Partridge, probably the most iconic species in Gibraltar, is one of great significance and it appears that this is now being rushed by the Government without having made a public statement and without public warning notice in relation to the location of the works and the program itself, one that Minister Cortes spoke of in Parliament in October last year. The Opposition also understands that this matter has not been considered by the DPC, at least not in public meeting.
Another worrying aspect of this matter is the fact that Parliament has just approved a new Bill, which made the cutting or removal of trees illegal unless a proper permit has been issued by the relevant authorities, a law that also applies to the Crown.
The GSD Opposition believes that Government and GONHS should make public statements as to what is happening, and whether the due process has been observed. We therefore call on the Government to stop the cutting of trees until the matter has been discussed at the DPC and the public at large has all the necessary information with regard to this matter.
