Tree planting target 'exceeded'

The target set by the government to plant 10,000 trees by the end of this year is set to be exceeded.

Over 8,300 trees have been planted since January and another 6,500 trees are booked and will be planted later this year, the Minister for Rural Affairs and the Environment, George Pullicino, said.

He was speaking while accompanying 500 Skolasajf children, aged between seven and 13, on an educational visit to the Ta' Qali national park.

The outing was organised by the 34U campaign and was aimed at raising children's awareness and appreciation of indigenous trees and plants that make up the Maltese environment.

The children, from 13 schools participating in the Skolasajf programme, which this year has the theme Together For The Environment, planted over 30 olive trees and participated in a treasure hunt and tree identification quiz.