Over the Summer, in coordination with local environmental NGO Green Zhejiang, RCE Hangzhou organised 21 Earth Successor study tours with a central theme of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Over 1,000 primary and secondary school students participated, travelling to destinations including the United States, the Bahamas, South Korea, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and various provinces within China. Through these programs, participants improved their cognitive abilities, teamwork abilities, creativity, and career skills.

The tour itineraries were designed to revolve around China’s ‘Vitalisation of the Countryside’ concept. Students toured impoverished mountain regions, including: Xiashan Village, Kaihua County; and Hetian Village, Jinyun County.

In the town of Jingshan, Yuhang, Earth Successors learned about modern agricultural development through a variety of activities including picking tea leaves, helping out on the farm, hunting for and digging up bamboo shoots, and more. Through these experiences, students also learned the importance of eliminating hunger, ensuring food safety, and eating more nutritious foods.

At Qiandao Lake, Earth Successor participants explored farmlands, conducted scientific experiments, did charity work, and learned about the importance of protecting water sources under the guidance of representatives from the Qiandao Lake Water Foundation, the first foundation dedicated to protecting important drinking water sources. Participants also designed agricultural and living environments for tributary watersheds.

The tour in South Korea included a visit to the Toad Ecology Centre. The location of the centre was once an abandoned wetland, but under the combined hard work of the local community and environmental groups and the guidance of municipal leaders, the city has made way for the movement of toads between the wetlands and ponds and surrounding mountains. A toad-themed community has been created, demonstrating an example of harmonious interaction between humans and nature.

In Koblenz, Germany, participants visited the International Rhine River Protection Committee and the Moselle Dam, where they learned about how the 13 members coordinate inter-governmental work between the various participating countries and promoted the transformation of the Rhine from the ‘sewer of Europe’ to what it is today – a river where salmon are able to migrate once again.

By conducting these SDG education activities, RCE Hangzhou, Green Zhejiang, and various international organisations have been able to establish partnerships spanning across Asia, Europe, and North America, as they work together in partnership towards the realisation of the SDGs.

(Photo credits: RCE Hangzhou)