How many trees have been planted in afforestation projects?
The recreational, educational and cultural significance of afforested areas has been increasingly recognised in recent years, which has encouraged the planting of significantly higher numbers of trees within such areas.
There has been a continuous increase in trees planted over the past years, with a 14 per cent increase between 2006 and 2007. A total of 33,278 trees were planted in 2007.
Afforestation is promoted by Government through the 34U campaign, as well as by NGOs such as Nature Trust (Malta), The Gaia Foundation, Din l-Art Ħelwa and BirdLife (Malta). Trees have been planted in individual projects such as at Xrobb l-Għaġin, Wied Għollieqa, L-Għadira area, and through initiatives such as Foresta 2000.
There are also a number of smaller afforestation projects initiated by NGOs in conjunction with the rehabilitation of historical sites.
Source: Ministry for Resources and Rural Affaris, Din l-Art Ħelwa, Nature Trust (Malta), The GAIA Foundation, and Birdlife (Malta)
Environmental tip:
Contribute to tree-planting projects by dedicating a tree to family members and/or friends and looking after it/them during your lifetime.