HSBC’s Southern Area branches through the HSBC Malta Foundation planted 30 trees at Xrobb l-Għaġin, to mark Earth Day 2011.  The initiative started at HSBC’s Zabbar branch and spread to the other branches in the area, who joined up to collect funds for a tree-planting project aimed to help counteract the branch’s footprint in carbon emissions. 

Alex Mizzi, HSBC’s Southern Area Director, said on behalf of the HSBC Malta Foundation: “Tree planting is important to effectively change our environment to a better place as it helps reduce some of the carbon emissions. HSBC views climate change as a serious issue and remains committed to raising awareness through its five-year Climate Partnership. It is encouraging to see more of our people train as Climate Champions and participate in such activities.”

The trees were planted at Nature Trust Malta (NTM)’s Xrobb l-Għaġin Nature Park and Centre of Sustainable Development, which was opened recently. “Our NGO respects the work carried out by HSBC Malta Foundation to help combat climate change and improve sustainability. It truly shows that HSBC is a bank that leads by example,” said Vincent Attard, Executive President Nature Trust (Malta). ‘Nature Trust is already participating on a climate change programme, funded by HSBC Malta Foundation, in Malta. The programme is also running in 17 other countries in a joint effort by HSBC Malta Foundation and Eco Schools,” he added. 

NTM runs EkoSkola in Malta as the local Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) representative.