Hong Kong Chapter – Tree Planting Challenge 2014

About the Event

Organised by Friends of the Earth, The Tree Planting Challenge 2014 was held on 27 April 2014 at Ma On Shan Country Park. It is a unique activity that combines tree-planting and hiking in a competition. This year 11 Hong Kong Fung Scholars formed three teams to participate in this meaningful activity to help reducing carbon footprints and stopping global warming.

Jenny NGO (FS2011-12, City University of Hong Kong) “Amidst the damp spring weather, the day of Tree Planting Challenge was blessed with beautiful sunshine. My team arrived Ma On Shan Country Park at eight for the event and there were already many other participants getting ready and collecting the seedlings with the help of volunteers from Friends of Earth. Although hiking in a forest is not something new to me, carrying and planting the seedlings uphill are, and the task is tougher than I expected. My team chatted with an on-site volunteer and he told us the limited chance of survival of the seedlings and therefore the importance of continuous effort in tree planting. At the end of the activity, despite getting up early on a Sunday morning, my teammates and I felt refreshed after working out in the energizing suburban air. The experience is excellent in terms of team building, understanding the importance of reforestation and appreciating the work of nature, which we often take for granted. On a final note, I would like to thank the Fung’s Foundation for supporting me and fellow scholars to participate in such a meaningful event.”

Amy CHAN (FS2011-12, City University of Hong Kong) “It is my first time to take part into tree planting event and it is a very meaningful and unforgettable experience in which I have to thank you Victor & William Fung Foundation to subsidize us to join it.
Not only I can devote to protect the environment and learn the skill of tree planting, but also it offers me chances to exchange ideas with other scholars. From designing our recyclable containers to executing in the event, it simulates our creativity and does bring us a lot of fun. For sure I must join this event next year to contribute to environmental protection, and design other recyclable containers creatively!”

Esther LAM (FS2010-11, The Chinese University of Hong Kong) “Hiking is always one of my favorite hobbies and I really love immerging in the natural environment. The Tree Planting Challenge is a very unique experience that combines tree-planting, fund raising and hiking competition. We are required do use recycling materials to carry the seedlings and tools uphill to dig pits and plant trees.
The whole experience was fun yet meaningful. Attending the tree-planting school not only enhanced us the skills on tree-planting, but also reminded us the importance of protecting our nature. All Fung Scholars were very enthusiastic and energetic in the activities. We completed the task efficiently through great teamwork and moreover, shared our interesting exchange experiences throughout the hike!
The most impressive experience throughout this journey was not merely tree-planting, but how we learnt to take action to reduce our carbon footprint and fight against global warming. By the end of the activity, all 3 teams of us decided not to take the shuttle bus but instead, walking for an hour extra back to Ma On Shan so as to support a low carbon lifestyle!

Last but not least, I would like to express my gratitude to Victor and William Fung Foundation for keep supporting our Fung Scholars in such a meaningful event. Thank you.”

Mariah STEWART (FS2011-12, The University of Hong Kong) “A wonderful occasion to meet fellow Fung scholars and play a part in regenerating Hong Kong’s hills! Hiking with new friends in a sunny day amid beautiful scenery made us forget the heavy tree seedlings we carried. Planting on slopes also became easy with our teamwork. It was good to mingle with Fung scholars from different backgrounds in such a fun and educational event.”

Hugh TONG (FS2009-10, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University) “This is my second time to join this event. I joined the 3-km trail last year and I have upgraded to join the 8-km trail this year! Be honest, except the too sunny weather, I preferred to join the 8-km trail because I could see more beautiful landscapes. And it was not very hard to finish the 8-km trail.
Fortunately, my teammates were very talkative and we chatted for the whole trail. It was a wonderful day for me because, not only I was doing something good for the environment, but also I met new good friends in the event. I was very happy on that day and thanks for the Victor & William Fung Foundation giving me the chance to join this event with them. I highly recommend other Fung Scholars to join it next year!”