'They give us oxygen': Children help plant hundreds of trees in Pembroke

More than 250 trees have been planted by schoolchildren in Pembroke to help them learn the importance of taking care of the environment. 

The event, organised by environmental group Coast is Clear in collaboration with the local council, saw 160 schoolchildren take part on Friday morning. 

Founder and organiser Mark Galea Pace said he wanted to focus the event on children, noting that the area was surrounded by several schools including St Clare College Primary. 

"Trees that I plant today, I will never be able to sit down in their shade, but they will enjoy the fruits in the future,” he said.

Mark Galea Pace said he hopes the children taking part in the project can enjoy the fruit of the trees in the future. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

Coast is Clear is an environmental NGO dedicated to protecting the Maltese coastline and its ecosystem. 

Zayden, 8, was among the Year Four pupils helping to plant the trees. 

"It's not super easy but it's a little workout," he said, adding that trees are important for “breathing and nests.”

Frida, also 8, said putting her own tree in the ground felt “pretty good.” She said planting trees matters “because it gives us oxygen”.

Year Four schoolchildren learn how to plant the trees. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

She added: "I haven't seen many trees except for here, which is like a jungle kind of." 

Pembroke mayor Kaylon Zammit said it was important to involve children "so we are showing from a young age how important it is to take care of our environment".

Zammit added that Pembroke’s role as a hub for schools made participation from students "feel like they are a part of their community.”

The event was sponsored by P&O Cruises.