The extent of vegetation covering the Maltese Islands natural habitats has been drastically reduced by centuries of human activity.

Large areas of woodland and garigue have been gradually cleared for agriculture and other forms of land development in a country with a high population density.

We all acknowledge that trees serve as our planet's lungs, they provide shelter, produce Oxygen and protect the world's climate by absorbing Carbon Dioxide. In one year, a single tree can absorb as much carbon as is produced by a car covering 42,000 Km.

In 2005, Hon. George Pullicino, Minister for Resources and Rural Affairs initiated a campaign called Tree For You (34U) enabling one and all to plant a tree and thus contribute to make Malta greener. To date some 44,000 trees have been planted in various locations.

The 34U Campaign enables you to commemorate an event, in this case your stay in Malta, or the birthday of someone special or honour someone you love or respect, while allowing this acknowledgement to last for generations to come.

Your tree will be identifiable by a wooden tag attached to it, bearing your name or the name of your choice. A photo certificate recording the dedication will be sent to you or to the person of your choice. Please note that only indigenous trees planted are chosen and planting takes place in Spring and Autumn.

Your tree may be planted at one of the following sites: 
      
1. Ta' Qali National Park

Ta Qali is currently the only national recreational park on the island.

The whole area is divided into designed grid gardens and picnic areas, among a range of other recreational and cultural facilities.

This is complimented by the choice of species, usually selected for their aesthetic features.
      
2. Mellieha

This forestation project is situated on the western sloping hillside of Mellieha Bay, The project being carried out in tandem between Birdlife and Din l-Art Helwa (Malta's National Trust).

It is the largest afforestation project and covers a stretch of land beneath the Red Tower, spanning from the sandy bay right to the other side of the island.   
      
3. Salina Bay

This green area is situated at the innermost part of Salina Bay. This project aims at increasing the recreational space of Kennedy Grove to five times its original size.

Thousands of trees have already been planted in the first stage of the project, with the next phase being the more formal part of the park.

The natural settings of the green areas are being furnished with appropriate recreational furniture. Furthermore, the marshland area is to be restored.    
      
4. Xrobb l-Ghagin

This area is a situated on a promontory in between Marsascala and Marsaxlokk.

Envisaged as a national park in the southern side of the island this area will incorporate a wildlife rehabilitation centre, a marine research centre and an afforestation project - thus amalgamating educational and environmental requirements.

Some 5,000 trees have been planted in the first stage with a further 10,000 projected in the second phase.

Related Article:

Hotels add green stamp to their stars
About 10 per cent of hotels in Malta are considered to be eco-friendly by the Malta Tourism Authority and the figure is set to rise by January 2009, with another eight hotels having submitted their applications.

To read the full article, please go here: 

www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20080927/local/hotels-add-green-stamp-to-their-stars