Ecosystem Restoration by Pathfinder Scouts Vietnam

Scout units in Vietnam are doing several activities that highlight the love for nature. Their collective effort endeavors to protect and restore natural ecosystems focusing on the achievement of SDG 6: Water and Sanitation, SDG 13: Climate Action, and SDG 15: Life on land. 

Outdoor activities celebrated World Water Day and the World Environment Day on6 May. Scouts gave water containers to ethnic minority communities in the highlands of North Vietnam. They also took a survey to identify the possibility of planting forest trees in the community. 

Two tree planting events were held in April 2021 in line with these efforts. Scouts planted 5,000 Doi/Talauma trees (Michelia tonkinensis) to H’mong minority people in Sung Ma Sao Commune, Bat Xat District in Lao Cai Province. Another 3,000 Hoi tress (Illiciaceae) were planted for the Giay minority people in Tat Nga Commune in Ha Giang Province. The trees will help generate income and provide livelihood to locals. Local forest rangers taught the participants the planting method and tree care. A small group of Scouts decentralized tree planting applications at home as a model for environmental education for young people. 

It is with great hope that taking the collective effort in restoring and preserving nature as a community will address prevailing environmental issues. The long-term impact of this project is to lift the quality of life, respond effectively to climate change, reduce floods and droughts, and to continue the sense community spirit.