Fresh back from a sell-out trip to Amsterdam — the Gibraltar Horticultural Society (GHS) is a vibrantly active group with many member activities — its Chairwoman and Treasurer, Annabelle Mor-Codali, spoke to Gibraltar Business about upcoming initiatives that local companies can get involved in.
With a growing population requiring ever more housing and infrastructure in a limited geographical area, you’re never far from the sound of a drill. So how can local businesses help green the Rock and beautify the environment? The GHS is planning what it calls “urban mini forests,” where trees and shrubs native to Gibraltar and Andalucía can be planted, inspired by recent visits to Lisbon and Granada.
“As we increase the population, car usage and tourism, we have to mitigate as much as we can — bring back green areas so that in the future, we can breathe better air and enjoy better health.”
— Gibraltar Business Magazine (Summer – Autumn 2025)
ESG Perspective
“It’s a long-term project because obviously, we will start on one site and, as we progress, we will need sponsorship from companies,” Ms. Mor-Codali told the Chamber of Commerce. “I’m trying to call out to companies from an ESG [Environmental, Social, and Governance] point of view. You’re investing in a community where you’re working and doing business — you’re giving back long term something that’s going to benefit everybody. Companies need to modify their carbon footprint, and I think this is a perfect opportunity to put into practice something that is long-term and global.”
Air Quality Rising Up the Agenda
Ideally, all schools on the Rock will be involved, with trees and shrubs hardy enough to withstand Gibraltar’s summer heat. And it may not be just traditional areas like Ocean Village or Europort — the Upper Rock and Castle Steps, both popular with tourists, could also benefit.
A growing local population and high vehicle usage mean air quality is an urgent issue. More trees and shrubs can act as natural lungs to help purify the air we breathe: “As we increase the population, car usage and tourism, we have to mitigate as much as we can — bring back green areas so that in the future, we can breathe better air and enjoy better health. And actually, you improve the population’s health, both mentally and physically, especially for children.”
Bus Stops to Provide Summer Cooling
Another key GHS initiative where local companies can get involved is the idea of green bus stops, with businesses sponsoring improvements to the passenger experience. The concept involves creating a frame on top of bus stops to support the weight of native plants and flowers with built-in irrigation. As well as being visually appealing, these provide natural cooling during Gibraltar’s summers.
Ms. Mor-Codali explained: “We will obviously be looking to local companies for support on that front as well. They will get a plaque with the name of the company sponsoring that bus stop. It’s about mitigating carbon dioxide in the air and helping with the heat. We thought it would be lovely to combine the beauty of Campion Park with a green bus shelter.”
Greening Up Our World & Thriving Horticulture
“We need green areas in the urban city — we need to green up our world as much as we can. Not just in touristic places; we need to do it in Laguna Estate, Glacis Estate, and Devil’s Tower Road too,” added Ms. Mor-Codali. “We’re trying to work with schools by providing them with shrubs and greenery.”
Interest in horticulture appears to be thriving in Gibraltar, with GHS membership rising to 110. As well as hosting workshops, the GHS visits businesses for teambuilding sessions on how green initiatives can benefit companies and their employees. “We have to be careful about greenwashing, and that’s something I’m very aware of,” said Ms. Mor-Codali. “There’s so much research showing that just 30 minutes spent in a green environment reduces stress and increases productivity — for children and adults alike.”