On May 18, the "Saplings" green program was launched in Ejina Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The program is sponsored by the special fund established by the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation (CSCLF) and Burberry China with the aim of raising young people's awareness of sustainable development. The event was attended by about 50 individuals, including officials from local forestry and grassland administrations as well as middle school students.
The participants of the "Saplings" green program launch ceremony pose for a group photo.
Liu Ying, deputy director of the Fund Department of the CSCLF, emphasized that the "Saplings" program has been specifically developed to engage young people in ecological conservation. Furthermore, she highlighted the CSCLF's commitment to collaborating with all sectors in order to establish additional platforms that will empower the youth and support their endeavors in promoting sustainable development.
Josie Zhang, president at Burberry China, noted that Burberry, emphasized Burberry's commitment to the development of young people. She expressed her hope that through initiatives like the "Saplings" program would empower young individuals to embrace the limitless possibilities of the future.
Chen Peng, vice president and secretary general of the China Green Foundation, highlighted the significant role of launching the "Saplings" program in Ejina, a key ecosystem functional area, in supporting the construction of the "Green Silk Road." He called upon the entire society to join hands and make new contributions towards building a beautiful China characterized by lucid waters and lush mountains.
Representatives of the youth volunteers are presented with flags.
At the launch ceremony, Zhang Ruige, deputy director of the China Soong Ching Ling Science and Culture Center for Young People (CSCLSCCYP), and Chen Yongquan, deputy director general of the Forestry and Grassland Administration of Inner Mongolia, presented flags to youth volunteer representatives, encouraging them to dedicate themselves to environmental protection. Youth volunteer representatives from local middle schools read out a climate action initiative, calling on young people to actively participate in sustainable development and work towards a better future. Following the ceremony, Populus euphratica saplings were planted after the launch ceremony.
Populus euphratica saplings are planted after the launch ceremony.
The "Saplings" eco-restoration demonstration site
Background information:
In 2022, the CSCLF and Burberry joined hands to establish the Special Fund for Youth Sustainable Development. The fund aims to cultivate young people's awareness and scientific literacy in sustainable development, and guide them in practicing sustainability.
The "Saplings" program will include a variety of activities aimed at promoting environmental sustainability. These activities will involve tree planting, offering courses on sustainable development, and conducting climate action workshops. Young participants will also be taught how to transform kitchen waste into nutrient-rich soil. And they will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on tree care activities. Additionally, the program will facilitate climate dialogues between Chinese and international youth, with the goal of inspiring their passion for environmental protection and fostering a sense of responsibility towards our planet.
So far, the "Saplings" program has established an eco-restoration demonstration site in Ejina Banner of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. As part of this initiative, 10,000 trees, predominantly Populus euphratica, have been donated and planted at the site.
(Source: CSCLF Fund Department, CSCLSCCYP)
