The need for a national outline plan on afforestation to make best use of open spaces and recreational areas was underlined yesterday by the Environment Minister during a tree-planting ceremony held at the Armed Forces barracks in Safi. The event was organised to mark Bank of Valletta’s donation of some 500 trees to the army, as part of its initiative to plant a tree for each of its 1,600 employees.

Environment Minister Leo Brincat lauded the initiative and spoke about the government’s efforts to strengthen the Parks Directorate and encourage tree-planting activities from voluntary organisations.