Bank donation for afforestation project

HSBC has donated Lm45,000 for the afforestation project at Xrobb l-Ghagin as part of the Tree for You (34U) campaign.

Over the next three years, about 15,000 trees and shrubs of different species will be planted in the area.

The tree planting is part of the Xrobb l-Ghagin plan which consists of three projects: afforestation; the setting up of a marine research and wildlife rehabilitation centre; and garigue restoration.

An ecological study has already been carried out to determine which species were to be planted according to soil composition, salinity, prevailing winds and species in the area. The whole project is being done in collaboration with Nature Trust and the International Ocean Institute (Malta).

HSBC has also seconded one of its employees, Glenn Bugeja, to coordinate the Tree for You campaign (34U) for a three-year period.

George Pullicino, Minister for Rural Affairs and the Environment, thanked HSBC for their initiative and investment in the environment. "Their contribution reinforces the fact that afforestation is not a government project but indeed a project that belongs to each and every one of us, which is why, through the 34U campaign, we encourage the participation of all, from the single individual to commercial organisations," said Mr Pullicino.

Last year, 4,000 trees and shrubs were planted in Mellieha, 2,500 at Kennedy Grove and 500 at the Pinetum in Pietà. This year, about 11,000 trees will be planted in Xrobb l-Ghagin, Ta' Qali National Park, Salina and Mellieha. The government has allocated Lm100,000 for these initiatives.