Dr Rudolf Ragonesi explained that Gaia, in collaboration with the Ministry for Environment, LIFE, the Malta Tourism Authority and the Bank of Valletta had, over the last four years, planted over 14,000 trees and shrubs at Ghajn Tuffieha, Malta, and Ramla, Gozo, and was planning to plant an average of 3,000 to 4,000 plants a year in the coming seasons.

He said that water remained the number one challenge since even indigenous trees suffered from the long and harsh dry season for the first couple of years. Mrs Mifsud Bonnici was also shown Gaia’s visitor centre facilities that were set up to cater for school trips and workshops, as well as for the eco-traveller, and that provided general information about environment and environmental health, as well as about its coastal management projects.

Mrs Mifsud Bonnici said that it is a pleasure for the Vodafone Malta Foundation to be associated with an organisation that is so committed towards the enhancement of the natural landscape. Through this partnership the foundation is fulfilling one of its main objectives, that of helping to protect our natural environment and heritage.

She augured The Gaia Foundation success in achieving their objectives and that more visitors will avail themselves of the facilities provided in order to enhance environmental education.

Mrs Mifsud Bonnici concluded her visit by presenting The Gaia Foundation with a cheque covering a grant for its tree planting projects.