Earthwatch invited to extend work to Malta

The Earthwatch Institute, an internationally renowned organisation doing research into threatened environments and eco-systems, is examining the possibility of setting up a partnership in scientific environmental and research projects in Malta.

This was announced following a visit to Malta by Roger Mitchell, chief scientist at Earthwatch, and Tom Burstow, programme manager, environmental engagement, organised by HSBC Cares for the Environment Fund.

The HSBC Group and the Earthwatch Institute have a close relationship through the bank's global US$50 million sponsorship, Investing in Nature. Every year, 500 HSBC employees take part in Earthwatch research projects across the world including employees from HSBC Bank Malta.

HSBC invited Earthwatch to set up a project in Malta which would benefit the Maltese community through linking up local environmental expertise with the global resources of Earthwatch.

During their stay in Malta, Dr Mitchell and Mr Burstow, together with HSBC Environment Fund members, held meetings with government departments and NGOs involved in the environmental scene. These included the Malta Environment and Planning Authority, the Gaia Foundation, Nature Trust (Malta), Birdlife, Heritage Malta, Din l-Art Helwa, Malta Marine Foundation and the Biological Conservation Research Foundation (BICREF).