Yesterday, over a thousand people flocked the streets of Attard to peacefully protest against the Central Link Project that has recently been green lit and will see 549 trees uprooted from the area, including 44 Aleppo Pine trees.

Apart from impacting these trees, the Central Link Project will also threaten the recently restored St Paul’s Shipwreck Chapel in Attard, as well as agricultural land. In an interview with GuideMeMalta last week, local geographer Raffaella Zammit said that the traffic generation that the project is trying to tackle needs to be viewed from a different perspective (promoting other modes of transport rather than widening roads).

The brains behind the protest, Sasha Vella told us that alternative transport methods need to be checked out as well as a priority on the conservation of our environment, with particular emphasis on air pollution – a growing issue in Malta. Thanks to her and her team’s efforts and all those who attended, the symbolic protest was a successful one. Here are 10 moving shots by this incredible local photographer from yesterday’s protest.

1. Flocking the streets to show support

2. Preach!

3. 'Stop the chop!'

4. These kids touched on important points, too

5. A human chain of protestors lined the main road

6. Even doggos came out to show their support

7. 'Be part of the solution not the pollution!'

8. People from all walks of life, young and old, tied themselves to trees in protest

9. Protest signs of all kinds were brought out on the day

10. 'Save the trees!'

What are your thoughts on the Central Link project? Can a better solution be found?