BirdLife Malta has donated three indigenous trees to the Ħal Luqa community. Two Mediterranean Buckthorn (Rhamnus alaternus) trees and one Lentisk (Pistacia lentiscus) tree were planted in Misraħ iż-Żgħażagħ in collaboration with the Ħal Luqa Local Council and the Ħal Luqa Primary School, part of St Ignatius College, on Wednesday, 26th February 2025.
The event began at Ħal Luqa Primary School, which actively participates in BirdLife Malta’s educational programme, Dinja Waħda. There, members of BirdLife Malta spoke to Year 4 primary students about the importance of trees, both for nature itself and for humans.
Afterward, the students walked to Misraħ iż-Żgħażagħ, where they planted the three trees together with the Mayor of Ħal Luqa, John Schembri. Mr Schembri thanked BirdLife Malta for donating the indigenous trees to be planted in the locality. “An initiative like this reflects positively on the Local Council’s work, as through BirdLife Malta’s efforts, we are protecting and enhancing our village’s natural environment,” said Ħal Luqa Mayor John Schembri.
The students enjoyed taking part in the activity and gained a greater understanding of the importance of trees, including those that enhance their own school environment. After planting the three trees, the students returned to their school, where they also planted several indigenous plants in the school gardens.
BirdLife Malta CEO Mark Sultana said, “This symbolic yet highly relevant gesture connects all aspects of our work in the community. Last October, a Ħal Luqa resident asked for our help after a tree was being cut down. When contacted, the local council explained that it was a health and safety measure, as the tree posed a serious risk. The Civil Protection Department was called in to remove the tree safely. This is where the idea sprouted—we engaged with the school children to replace this mature tree with three smaller ones, hoping that one day they will grow into mature, healthy trees benefiting both urban biodiversity and the residents of Ħal Luqa.” He thanked the Mayor and the Local Council of Ħal Luqa for their immediate support of this initiative as well as the ‘Grow 10 Trees’ project, which donated one of the Mediterranean Buckthorn trees for this activity.
Misraħ iż-Żgħażagħ is an open space enjoyed by many Ħal Luqa residents, featuring playgrounds for children and the local boċċi club, among other facilities. This initiative aligns with BirdLife Malta’s mission to not only protect and conserve birds and their natural environment but also bring communities closer to nature.
You can read the press release in Maltese here.
