HSBC in Malta will be joining organisations to mark World Environment Day, with various activities and events aimed at maintaining the momentum that has been achieved in relation to environmental awareness in Malta.

World Environment Day is celebrated worldwide on 5 June. It is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action.

On 1 June, HSBC employees will participate in a Dress Down Day to raise money to be used for environmental projects under the HSBC Cares For The Environment Fund (HCEF).

Staff members will also have the opportunity to attend the special screening of the Planet Sea Productions documentary Journey into the Depths of the Mediterranean at the Eden Cinema complex in St Julian’s. This documentary was launched a few months ago and was actually sponsored by the HCEF, together with the Ministry responsible for the Environment and the Malta Environment and Planning Authority in collaboration with Forestals. Copies of the film were distributed to all state, church and private schools in order to raise environmental awareness among the public.

The documentary offers a visual experience of marine life found in the seas around the Maltese archipelago, where over 100 living creatures are beautifully captured.

HCEF will also support activities on a national level through its participation in the “echo environmentfest” organised by the Rural Affairs and the Environment Ministry to be held on Saturday, 9 and Sunday, 10 June. The aim of this event is to provide the public with environmental inform-ation through interactive stands, material and discussion. There will also be live performances, animators, games and food. The HCEF will have an informative and colourful stand promoting its initiatives and commitments.

“Our activities strive to promote the idea of individual and collective action in favour of sustainable development,” said HSBC Malta CEO Shaun Wallis. “We need to continue challenging attitudes and behaviour on environmental issues and to advocate partnership, for a better, safer and prosperous future.”