Hyderabad: In an attempt to sensitise young children about combating fertile lands turning into deserts, the G20 Global Land Initiative (G20 GLI) in partnership with the Heartfulness Institute conducted a plantation drive roping in around 2,500 students.
“Engaging young people in land restoration activities is not just beneficial but essential. They are the future custodians of our planet, and their active participation and commitment can drive positive change,” Muralee Thummarukudy, Director of the G20 Global Land Initiative at UNCCD.
The G20 Global Land Initiative, which works under the oversight of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) aims to reach 10,000 schools globally to conduct plantation drives.
“Up to 40 per cent of the world’s land, equivalent to the landmass of China, is degraded. To restore it, we must plant endemic saplings or those recommended by the scientific community to restore the soil,” he said.
Dr V. Ramakantha, IFS (Retd), chairman of forests at Heartfulness, who has also created a patch rainforest within Kanha Shanti Vanam, explained, “Our goal is to inspire and equip young minds with the knowledge and passion needed to restore and protect our natural environment. Through initiatives like these, we can collectively work towards a greener, healthier world.”
“By involving youth in meaningful environmental activities, we not only restored degraded land but also sowed the seeds of a sustainable future,” V. Ramakantha said.
