On 9 and 16 April, French Ambassador Béatrice le Fraper du Hellen hosted two guided tours of the historical gardens at her residence, located in the heart of Żebbuġ. Organised by Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA), as part of its 2016 Heritage Homes' series of events, these afternoon sessions aimed at providing information on Malta's indigenous trees, the Embassy's collection of citrus trees and the traditional gardening methods still in evidence at this ancient garden.

Tree experts Dr Joseph Buhagiar, Dr Joe Borg, Herman Schifo and Ian Lansley contributed their time to accompany guests around the ambassador's residence grounds, giving information on the plants there as well as on the gardening techniques required for the care and preservation of trees. Considered to be typical of Maltese walled gardens, the Embassy residence gardens include an olive tree estimated to be over 400 years old. A large audience enjoyed these events, which concluded with the planting of a Sandarac Gum tree or Għargħar, Malta's national tree.

Dr Borg gave a talk on Maltese historical trees, while Professor Alain Blondy, renowned author of The Commerce of Oranges between Malta and France in the XVIIIth Century, presented the story of Maltese orange trees.

These events aimed at raising awareness of the importance of trees, their contribution to residents' health and the preservation of trees in Malta. It is now planned to hold more tree-planting activities in different localities in Malta.

H.E. Mrs le Fraper du Hellen explained that French embassies throughout the world strived to earn the label of "green embassies" through their contribution to reducing CO2 emissions. "We chaired COP21, we are serious about its follow-up."

For more information visit: http://new.faa.org.mt/ and http://www.ambafrance-mt.org/