German donation

The Unit responsible for Parks, Afforestation and Restoration of Countryside (PARK) within the Ministry of Rural Affairs and the Environment has received a donation of a lorry and trailer bowser from the German Society in Minden, Germany, FEE (Fordergesellschaft erneuerbare Energiequellen e.v.).

The donation was made as a result of a long-standing relationship and co-operation with the local International Tree Foundation. Over the past 14 years, FEE supported projects in Malta for tree planting and local public gardens.

In fact the two vehicles are the latest of a series of donations made by the German society since 1990. Throughout the years, contributions consisted of re-conditioned vehicles that included two fire engines, two vans, soil mixing compost and drilling machinery, besides extending other technical and financial aid to the Agriculture department for the Ghar Lapsi Afforestation Project, an area that previously was a dumping site.

In a short address at the handing over ceremony, held at Ta' Qali National Park, Permanent Secretary Philip von Brockdorff, who represented Minister George Pullicino, rendered thanks to the German group and commended the efforts of NGOs who with their aid and voluntary work are helping in various projects and initiatives for the development of the environment.

Dr von Brockdorff said that the connection local societies develop with foreign organisations, in the same way that the International Tree Foundation has established with FEE in Minden, is of great benefit and augur that this co-operation survives for many years.

The vehicles were driven overland to Malta by members of the German society under the direction of its president, Ing. Burkart Schulte.