In an inspiring fusion of youth activism and ecological conservation, Wu Mengqi, a student from the Weifang Institute of Science and Technology, recently completed a 1,500-kilometer journey to plant hope in one of China's most challenging landscapes. Her mission: contribute to transforming the Minqin Desertification Control Demonstration Zone in Gansu Province into a sustainable ecosystem.
The 20-year-old’s determination was ignited by a livestream from the 'Ten Qin Tian' farming collective, showcasing volunteers battling desert sands with Haloxylon saplings. "Seeing those tiny green shoots defy the desert made me realize our generation can’t wait to act," Wu told KhabarAsia during a break from planting.
This spring, she joined hundreds of volunteers from across the country in a coordinated effort, their shovels clinking rhythmically against arid soil under banners proclaiming 'The responsibility of today rests on our youth.' Trained specialists guided the group in precise planting techniques – 50cm deep pits, 20cm of moist sand cushioning each sapling – maximizing survival chances in the harsh environment.
The Weifang Institute’s 'Volunteer Service+' program provided institutional backing, integrating such ecological missions into its curriculum. Recent data reveals startling scale: 24,000+ volunteer activities, 500,000+ participants, and 2.6 million service hours logged since the program’s inception.
As Wu plans to launch an ecological club on campus, her story resonates beyond academia. 'Success doesn't require individual heroism,' she reflected, brushing sand from her goggles. 'It needs countless ordinary people doing extraordinary things – one sapling at a time.'
