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gozotoday | FRIDAY • 23 JANUARY 2026
NEWS
with tree planting session at Xewkija School
welcome shade and serve as
shelter and habitat for differ-
ent species, thereby forming
part of a chain in ecosystems
which are so important for
humans who depend on them
every day.
In addition, trees can help lo-
cal wildlife live and thrive by
providing animals and insects
with food and shelter, whilst
supporting local ecosystems.
Indigenous trees are also par-
ticularly suited to Gozo's cli-
mate conditions and soil types
and once planted, often re-
quire less water and fertiliser
than non-native species. As
such, Siġar NGO is committed
to only use young trees raised
from local seeds by collabo-
rating with the island's Daw-
wara Plant Nursery at Kercem
and the Experimental Farm at
Xewkija, which is managed by
the Rural Gozo Directorate.
With less than 1% of forest
cover across the Maltese Is-
lands, Siġar NGO also believes
there are many potential op-
portunities for small scale tree
planting projects within Gozo
villages, complimenting oth-
er green projects being car-
ried out by the local councils
and the Ministry for Gozo and
Planning. Siġar seeks to work
in partnership to cultivate a
greener future for Gozo's resi-
dents and increase the number
of healthy trees planted across
the island.
So far, Sigar has hosted 13 planting sessions, planted 42 trees, in Gozo and held
5 educational visits and clean up events, with more activities planned for the
2026 growing season
