Crew members from P&O Cruises Azura helped collect more than 300 kilograms of litter during a clean-up and tree-planting event at Fort Madliena in Malta.

The volunteers joined the local environmental organization around the historic fort’s coastal woodlands and scenic viewing area. The foundation said the rubbish collected included cigarette butts discarded by visitors.

Azura’s Captain Alan Hawkins also took part, planting a commemorative tree on behalf of P&O Cruises and Cunard. The event included the planting of two cypress trees, each around 10 feet tall, and the inauguration of a bench overlooking the woodland and Mediterranean Sea.

Representatives from Carnival UK, Is-Swieqi Local Council and Mifsud Brothers joined the activities. A tree was also donated to the Swieqi and Madliena community and planted by the mayor and councillors.

The gathering marked another step in the partnership between Carnival UK and Coast is Clear, which has brought cruise ship crew members ashore to help care for Malta’s coastline.

P&O Cruises crew helped remove more than a tonne of waste through clean-ups across Malta. The partnership has also supported the planting of hundreds of indigenous trees around Fort Madliena. The foundation said the woodland now includes more than 260 trees planted through their joint efforts.

For the Azura volunteers, the day was an opportunity to contribute to a destination they visit through their work, leaving the area cleaner for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Carnival UK thanked the crew and foundation for their continued efforts, while Coast is Clear praised the volunteers for the work they put into clearing the site.