Back in May, 3,000 trees were vandalised in Mellieha in an act of senseless destruction. But did Foresta 2000 Management and the 34U team give up? Quite the opposite. They asked the public for help and raised a whopping Lm40,000.

As a result of the funds raised, between 19-21 October an event is being launched that will lead to the planting of 9000 trees.

Glenn Bugeja, co-coordinator of the 34U campaign, described the programme for the three days of this National Event. “We will kick start the weekend by inviting all the schools who donated funds to replace the vandalised trees at Mellieha to bring their children to the site on Friday, to plant trees. ” says Glenn. “Companies who made donations, their staff and families will have the chance to plant trees on Saturday and Sunday.”

“The three days will be a programme of non-stop activity, where we’ll have tree planting and organised tours by day, with the help of Birdlife Malta and Din l-Art Helwa and concerts by night. In fact, Freddie Portelli will hold a concert near the Red Tower Area on Saturday evening, from 10pm onwards,” says Glenn. He adds that over the three days, a group of scouts and guides will be camping in the area, and there will also be an Olive Oil Festival on Sunday.

Glenn stresses that this weekend is of national importance. In fact, the Bishop of Gozo, Mons Mario Grech, as well as the Prime Minister Dr Lawrence Gonzi and President Dr Eddie Fenech Adami will all be making an appearance over the three days.

“We would like to invite the general public to come over and participate in this forestation project and to appreciate all the work which is being done in order to preserve our natural heritage,” says Glenn.

For more information, call the 34U team on 2295-2333 or email on [email protected].