Tree Planting Events 2014

University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, 15 Nov 2014 – Getting down and dirty under the hot afternoon sun may not be the ideal way to spend the weekend, but a group of 60 student from the University of Nottingham Malaysia campus has willingly partaken in an tree planting event to beautify and preserve several species of native trees on the campus grounds. The event, Trees For Life: Alumni Arboretum Project 2014 was called by Head of Environmental Committees – Dr Svenja Hanson ,coordinated and organised by the UNMC Nature Club ,and generously sponsored by Setia EcoHill Sdn Bhd. The objective of the event was to cultivate the importance of conserving native tree species, and to act as a stepping stone for future sustainability events.

As part of the event, several guest speakers were invited to give some insightful and motivational talks to the participating students. The guest speakers were Dr Jean Webber, a senior lecturer at the Universiti Putra Malaysia who gave an insightful talk about the importance of preserving native tree species especially in lowland areas, and introducing Pericopsis.org, a free and collaborative database for the localization and identification of trees.

Next to take the stage was Mr Bernard Eng, an EcoWarrior who has given a moving speech titled “How Volunteerism Changed My Life.” Through the speech he has encouraged youngsters to make an impact on their society through volunteerism.A short refreshment break was given before Mr Abdul Razak gave a speech about business and environment, introducing his initiative in starting a goat farm named “Best Goats and Sheep” situated near Bentong, which has since then bloomed into a successful business. He stresses that one should be brave and take the first step when making decision.

After the speeches were given, the project director of Trees For Life, Tey Chee Yik gave some introduction into the species of trees planted which included the Ironwood tree (Hopea odorata), Flame of the forest (Delonix regia), Clove tree (Eugenia caryophyllata) and several others. Instructions on the handling and planting of the trees were then given led to the plant site, an area near the main entrance of the campus.

Once there at the planting site, there was an opening ceremony where the University Provost and CEO Prof. Christine Ennew planted the first tree, and gave a short speech stating how proud she was of the participants for joining this initiative. After instructions and equipment were passed out, the participants got down to work moving through hilly terrain to their respective planting sites. Laughter and cheers were heard as one by one the trees where settled unto the fertile dirt until the last tree was placed.

In the end the event was a substantial victory, and a total of 16 trees, including the endangered Dipterocarpus macrophylla were planted. The project director, Tey Chee Yik exclaimed: “Though the event was a success, we deem to encourage and continue our efforts in creating a sustainable and environmental friendly society and culture.”

To view more photos of the event and want to keep updated on upcoming events, visit our FB page. Join us to save our mother earth before its too late !

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