Bank staff plant trees at Xrobb l-Ghagin

Staff of HSBC Bank and their families recently planted some 400 trees and shrubs at Xrobb l-Ghagin in Marsaxlokk as part of the afforestation project underway in the area.

The site will be used for environmental education and as a public recreational area. A marine research centre will also be set up.

The area had been abandoned since 1996 when the Deutsche Welle radio station closed down. The trees are being maintained by the Parks Department since the project is in partnership with the 34U campaign launched by the Ministry for Rural Affairs and the Environment.

HSBC is the only organisation involved in tree planting at this site and the funding will amount to Lm45,000 over three years. Earlier this year around 4,600 trees were planted including Aleppo pines, tamarisks, carob trees and shrubs typical of the area.

The HSBC Cares For the Environment Fund is one of the main sponsors of the Clean Up the World Campaign Malta 2006, which will be taking place this weekend.