The Environment Committee recently launched a competition with an environmental theme open to all teenagers between 13 and 19 with the theme "An Endemic Species".

Participants can enter by presenting an endemic species, artistically - a photo, graphic art, collage, painting, drawing, sculpture - presenting his/her entry in the most interesting and original form.

Participants can enter with more than one entry or as a group (one prize in the case of a group). The object is to be no greater than 30 x 30 x 30 cm, and has to be original. The entry is to include a short description of the species of approximately 100 words.

First prize is an educational trip to Italy (place to be announced later). Second and third prizes will also be awarded.

For more information, contact NCW on tel: 2124-8881 or 2124-6982 or e-mail: ncwmalta@camline.net.mt.

Plant a tree - plant a pine

After several meetings with George Pullicino, Minister for Rural Affairs and the Environment, the NCW Environment Committee, was finally granted its request - to have an area at the Pinetum in Blata l-Bajda which will be named after the council. This ambitious project, which environment committee member Catherine Muscat initiated, will only be achieved if we all buy a tree to be planted at the Pinetum.

Approximately 500 pine trees are required to fill the designated area. Each tree costing Lm5 will include a wooden tag with the name of the person to whom the tree is dedicated. The Pinetum area allocated to us, has over the years deteriorated through misuse, parking and other activities. We are hoping that through this project the Pinetum will be restored to its former glory. We urge members, friends and families to buy these trees to celebrate a pass in exams, a graduation, birthdays, anniversaries, engagements, births and a hundred other occasions or just make your contribution to the environment.

For details phone the NCW office.