Tourism body sponsors environment projects

The Malta Tourism Authority yesterday presented a sponsorship to Birdlife Malta to assist it on the Foresta 2000, Simar nature reserve and Ghadira nature reserve projects.

The presentation was made by the authority's chief executive, Leslie Vella, who said it was a sign of the MTA's recognition of Birdlife Malta's commitment to the environment.

Foresta 2000, a project undertaken by Birdlife Malta and other organisations, in collaboration with Din l-Art Helwa and the Parks and Landscapes Conservation Section of the Works Department, is an afforestation project of thousands of Mediterranean trees and shrubs with water pools in the Mellieha Bay area.

The second project is an interpretation centre in the Simar nature reserve. The area is already being frequented by students for educational visits and once the interpretation centre is complete it will be open for the enjoyment of both locals and visitors to Malta.

The third project involves the upgrading of security at the Ghadira nature reserve.

The MTA also assists local councils and NGOs with projects that enhance the environment through a landscaping scheme which has run for the last two years. As a result of this scheme, trees have been planted in Ramla l-Hamra, Qala and Nadur, in Gozo, Dingli Cliffs, Birzebbuga, Ta' Xbiex and Birkirkara.

Other localities set to benefit from this scheme include Kercem, Gharb, Munxar, Qormi, Floriana, Zejtun, Mellieha and Mgarr.