HSBC’s staff members from the Northern Area branches, once again teamed up with Nature Trust (Malta) and Eko Skola on a recent visit to St. Theresa College, Birkirkara. The aim was to raise educational awareness on the environment with particular focus on the preservation of Malta & Gozo’s endemic plant – the Rock Centaury – found mostly along seaside limestone cliffs.

An informative presentation was delivered to the school children outlining details of the plant, better known in Malta as – Widnet il-Bahar – which was declared Malta’s National plant in 1971.

The presentation extended to tips on conserving our environment through recycling household waste in a totally environmentally friendly method by using the Wormery approach. This technique uses worms to recycle ordinary kitchen waste to turn it into rich organic compost that can later be used as plant fertilizer.

“HSBC remains committed to do its part in raising awareness on preserving our environment now, for a better future.” said Speranza Catania, HSBC’s northern area director. “Our school visits are part of a wider programme that provides further information to instil behavioural change by encouraging a more conscientious approach in caring for the local environment.”

Vincent Attard, Executive President of Nature Trust said “It is commendable to see financial institutions like HSBC committed to the environment, as part of their corporate social responsibility through raising awareness in schools. Malta is very rich in bio-diversity and such events help people become conscious of what we have and how much we should protect it.”

After handing a donation to St Theresa College and Nature Trust, HSBC staff members proceeded to planting a number of Widnet il-Bahar plants at Ta’ Qali National Park.