May 21 - Damage and Theft at the Botanic Gardens
The Gibraltar Botanic Gardens have recently been subjected to a spate of damage and theft of plants and equipment, according to the Director of the Gardens Dr Keith Bensusan.
Dr Bensusan said that: “Sadly, this is not new a phenomenon in the Alameda, which has to struggle against such vandals in an effort to develop as a world-class botanic garden and a quality amenity for residents of Gibraltar.”
The most recent incident has involved the uprooting and destruction of plants that had recently been purchased in order to beautify the Lion's Pond area, which Dr Bensusan calls “one of the most peaceful and attractive zones within the Gardens.”
There has also been damage to equipment that was recently installed to improve water quality in the pond.
“Apart from the obvious problems caused by this damage,” said Dr Bensusan, “interference with electrical equipment sitting in water is very dangerous and could result in a serious accident. All of this is in addition to the appalling littering that occurs around the Lion's Pond on an almost daily basis, with litterbins frequently thrown into the ponds.”
Plants have also been stolen from an 'Edible Bed' that is being developed by a local middle school as an initiative to improve education on plants and food among school children. This bed is clearly signposted as a school project.
Dr Bensusan said that: “The theft of plants that have taken children months to grow serves to illustrate the callousness of the thieves, who have deprived the children of an achievement that they are very proud of. However, theft of plants is a frequent occurrence in the Botanic Gardens and this and other recent incidents unfortunately come as no surprise. Plants are also subjected to mutilation frequently, including old and valuable succulent plants.”
YGTV understands that these incidents have been reported to the RGP, which is carrying out an investigation and increasing vigilance in affected areas of the Gardens. The Botanic Gardens are in the meantime making arrangements for the installation of CCTV cameras in vandalism hotspots.
