Malta Airport recently upgraded the trees and shrubs display near the Schengen/Non-Schengen Arrivals area on its main apron, through the assistance of The Gaia Foundation, an NGO dedicated to the protection of the environment. This was done following a proposal by employees through the Company’s Corporate Social Responsibility Advisory Committee.

The new display of Maltese trees and shrubs is one of the first things passengers experience upon landing in Malta on their way from the aircraft to the Terminal.

The Gaia Foundation, which has a specialist tree nursery at its base at Ghajn Tuffieha, was asked to design and provide planting which reflects the indigenous and endemic species to be found on the island.

The display of some 387 shrubs and trees includes lentisk trees, dwarf palms, Maltese cliff oraches, Maltese rock centaury and a range of silvery ragwort, rosemary, lavender and thyme.

Commenting about the decision to ask Gaia Foundation for this project, Malta Airport Head PR & Corporate Communications, Reuben Sciberras said that “our commitment to society is not only shown through direct sponsorships of initiatives and events, but we are also proud that we include sustainable initiatives as part of our operations. Both first-time visitors to Malta, as well as locals will be able to experience a typical Maltese natural environment before entering our Terminal.”

Gaia Foundation’s director, Rudolf Ragonesi said: “We were delighted that the airport decided to showcase Maltese plants to visitors to our country. Their choice of native plants is a very positive example to be followed which also sends a message of sustainable use of resources, since such plants are hardy and require far less water than other plants.”

This display was the second intervention by Gaia Foundation at the airport, following the landscaping in front of the SkyParks Business Centre earlier this year.