HSBC Cares for the Environment Fund (HCEF) has agreed to a Lm45,000 sponsorship for the ‘34U’ campaign over the next three years.

Furthermore, HSBC employee Glenn Bugeja, who is also an Earthwatch Fellow, has been seconded from the Bank to the Ministry of Rural Affairs & The Environment to help in the implementation of the ‘34U’ afforestation programme.

The Ministry for Rural Affairs and The Environment launched the ‘34U’ campaign in January 2005. The campaign, which supports the greater afforestation of areas at Salina Park, Mellieha, the Pinetum in Pieta`, Xrobb l-Ghagin, Ta’ Qali and Buskett, also encourages the public to buy and plant their own tree in any of the selected areas.

“HCEF initially sponsored the project with Lm15,000 in order to plant one tree for every one of HSBC’s 1,500 employees in Malta. This charitable fund is following HSBC’s global emphasis on trying to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This new Lm45,000 sponsorship will boost the ‘34U’ campaign to create a cleaner and greener environment for Malta. We have also decided to second Glenn to help the Environment Ministry make the most effective use of the financial support being given,” said HSBC’s chief executive officer, Shaun Wallis.

HSBC employees have been actively involved in the ‘34U’ campaign turning out in their hundreds to plant 2,000 trees at Salina Park last October. In the coming weeks, staff will also be involved in the planting of trees at Xrobb l-Ghagin.