Six local councils which will receive funding to plant trees in their communities as part of the Greening Urban Areas scheme.

The local councils of Attard, Cospicua, Xewkija, Birżebbuga, San Ġwann, Santa Venera will all benefit from the scheme, which has provided €530,000 in funding since starting as a pilot project last year.

Environment Minister Leo Brincat said the goal was for the scheme to eventually be rolled out to all localities in Malta and Gozo. He urged local councils to engage local stakeholders in the project to make the most possible use of the allocated funding.

Parliamentary secretary for local councils Stefan Buontempo said the scheme will help to address the lack of greenery in towns and villages and improve the quality of life for residents and visitors.

“Roads, open spaces and even village cores should all be greener, which will have health benefits as well as serving as a counter-balance to air pollution, including from traffic,” Mr Buontempo said.

The parliamentary secretary also highlighted a budgetary measure through which tourist areas would benefit from funding raised through the new environmental contribution.

He added that as part of the government’s commitment to a greener urban environment, the Floriana Botanical Gardens would soon be renovated and improved to serve as a recreational area for families.