A leading Maltese botanist who has spent nearly two decades studying Comino’s flora has argued that the removal of hundreds of trees from the island has become a distraction from what he believes are the much bigger concerns surrounding the proposed hotel redevelopment.Stephen Mifsud, founder of Malta Wild Plants and author of a recent academic study on Comino’s plant life, speaking to Times of Malta said many of the trees approved for removal are ornamental species introduced around the hotel complex in recent decades and are not part of the island’s natural habitats.While stressing that he remains firmly opposed to the project, Mifsud said the ecological impact of uprooting these trees has been overstated.“The truth is that most of them are simply garden ornamental trees of low ecological value,” he said.Instead, Mifsud warned that the wider development could have far-reaching consequences for Comino, raising concerns that it may pave the way for further construction on the island in the future.“The project could turn Comino into a small village,” he said, adding that he would not be surprised to see additional development emerge over time.His comments come amid ongoing controversy over the redevelopment of the former Comino hotel site. Earlier this week, the Environment and Resources Authority approved the removal of hundreds of trees as part of the project, prompting criticism from environmental groups and activists.Despite downplaying the ecological significance of the trees themselves, Mifsud maintained that authorities should have used the opportunity to halt the project altogether, citing the environmental sensitivity of Comino and its Natura 2000 status.Environmental NGOs have since vowed to continue challenging the development and the permits linked to it.What do you think poses the biggest threat to Comino’s future?•