Have you ever wondered how kids and teenagers are helping to protect our planet? 🌍 In China, thousands of young people are on an exciting journey called the ‘Green Long March’! Let’s dive into their amazing adventures and see how they’re making a big difference. 🌿
🌳 A Colorful Start by the Wenyu River
Early one morning, more than 30 eco-friendly tents popped up along the Wenyu River Park in Beijing. It looked like a vibrant green bazaar! 🏕️ Over 5,000 people joined in fun activities like making eco-crafts, solving sustainability quizzes, and learning how to care for the Earth. This event kicked off the ‘Beautiful China – Youth Action’ program.
🚶♀️ The Green Long March: A 40-Year Journey
Did you know that back in 1984, students from Beijing Forestry University (BFU) started China’s first campus-led environmental campaign? 🇨🇳 They called it the ‘Green Consultation’. Over the years, it grew into the Green Bridge and Green Long March Activities, inspiring young people all over the country to protect nature.
These students travel to mountains, rivers, forests, and even deserts! 🏞️ Each year, they focus on different ecosystems, learning about plants, animals, and how to keep the environment healthy.
🔍 Discovering a ‘Lost’ Beetle!
Imagine finding a creature that hasn’t been seen in over 40 years! 😲 That’s what happened when a group of students from BFU went to Laojun Mountain in southwest China’s Sichuan Province. 🏔️ They were exploring the forest when they discovered a shiny beetle called Cheirotonus jansoni. 🪲 It was thought to be extinct in that area!
This special find showed how rich and wonderful the biodiversity is there (that’s a big word for the variety of life in a place!). It also showed how young people can make important discoveries that help protect wildlife.
🌶️ Helping Farmers with Tech Tricks
While some kids were enjoying their summer break, a team from BFU went back to their hometown in Huize County to help local farmers. 👩🌾 The farmers were having trouble with their pepper plants because of pests (tiny bugs that harm plants). The students studied 36 types of chili peppers, collected samples, and even used drones for irrigation! 🚁
They sent the samples to Beijing for more analysis and started working with a local farm to find solutions. They turned their book knowledge into real-life help for their community. How cool is that?
💧 Protecting Rivers for 70 Years
In a village near Beijing, students are continuing a mission that started 70 years ago! 🕰️ They work on protecting watersheds (areas that drain into a common waterway). They’ve built dams, planted trees, and created channels to prevent floods and help farmers grow more crops. 🌽
Generations of students have helped transform flood-prone areas into healthy environments where people and nature thrive together.
🌟 Join the Green Movement!
Over 500,000 young people have joined the Green Long March Activities, participating in thousands of events across China! 🎉 They’re proving that age doesn’t matter when it comes to making a positive impact on the world.
So, what can you do to help the planet? Maybe start a recycling program at your school, plant a tree, or simply spread the word about caring for the environment. Every action counts! 🌱
Together, we can make the Earth a better place for everyone. Will you join the mission? 💚
Reference(s):
A green long march: Young voices shaping China's ecological future
cgtn.com
