26 June 2024, Hong Kong, China
Recently, a well-planned green and low-carbon youth adventure in the Kubuqi Desert has successfully concluded. The activity aimed to deepen Hong Kong youths’ understanding of the desert’s ecological environment through field trips and convey the concept of green and low-carbon environmental protection. Our students ranged in age from 13 to 27 who has left behind unforgettable memories in this mysterious and magnificent trip.
During desert exploration, students visited the Germplasm Bank, where they observed thousands of seeds preserved by the Elion Group from the past. The germplasm bank not only showcased the tenacious vitality of desert plants, but also revealed the arduous attempts behind finding suitable “knockout plants” for the desert environment. Through this visit, the students deeply understood that the path to desertification control is not achieved overnight, it requires unremitting efforts and exploration over generations. At the same time, they also gained a deeper understanding of the importance of trial and error in scientific research, and the huge cost that may be involved behind each failure.
After that, they arrived at the Biodiversity Pavilion, where specimens of animals and plants from various climatic regions were displayed. Through interactions with biodiversity experts, the students learned about the characteristics of animals and plants in different regions, delved into the uniqueness of biodiversity in the desert. This visit has broadened their horizons and deepened their understanding of the nature wonders.
The Sunshine Valley Light-Hydrogen Low-Carbon Industry Base was another crucial destination for the trip. Here, they witnessed the Elion 3D photovoltaic desert control model. This model combines photovoltaic power generation with desert control, providing sustainable energy solutions for desert areas and opening up new avenues for sand control and prevention.
In the hands-on practice session, every student managed to plant their own trees in the desert with their own hands. Their action was not only to support for many years of desert control works, but also a practice of green environmental protection concept, expressing for their reverence and love for nature.
During the Forum on Desert Green and Low-Carbon Action with students from Elion East Primary School, student representatives from both sides delivered speeches, sharing and elaborating their understanding of the importance of desertification control. After the event, gifts were exchanged between the students and a deep friendship was formed.
In addition to gaining in-depth knowledge and concepts about desert governance, the students also got a chance to experience the culture and living customs in Inner Mongolia.
By trekking through the desert, students experienced the hardships and dedication of desertification control personnel. During the hike, they worked together, helping each other, and overcoming difficulties one after another.
Visiting local herdsmen’s home, the students personally felt the profound changes brought by technological advancements to this ancient land. They learned to make local delicacies, beautiful Mongolian headwear, and sing Mongolian songs, experiencing the diet and lifestyle of the Mongolian people. These activities has deepened the understanding of the beauty of Inner Mongolia among all participants, and sparked their interest and love for Mongolian culture.
As night fell, all participants joined local Mongolian band to dance around the bonfire. Under the starry sky, they participated in traditional activities such as received Hada and silver bowls of wine through the ceremony of cutting the whole roast lamb. Among the warm and simple Mongolian customs, students felt the warmth and deep friendship of inner Mongolian people. Infront of the bonfire and stage, everyone gradually opened up, fully showcased their talents and charm.
The Kubuqi Desert Youth Green Low-Carbon Trip was not only a feast of knowledge among desert control but also a baptism of the soul. Through field trips and exchanges, everyone was able to experience the infinite charm of nature and provided valuable information for future scientific research. It has successfully conveyed the concept and responsibility of green and low-carbon environmental protection to the youths.
We thank all participants and sponsors for their support and efforts, and we appreciate everyone’s attention to the entire 2nd Kubuqi Award Competition! We look forward to continuing organize more meaningful adventures and exploration activities in the future, providing more opportunities for the growth and development of the youths!
About the 2nd Kubuqi Award
The 2nd Kubuqi Award consists of the “Speak Sustainability” Secondary School Short Video Contest and the International Desert Sustainable Development Proposal Competition, available for secondary and university students respectively. The competition has received strong support from the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR (LOCPG), the Education Bureau, and InvestHK. It has successfully invited Friends of the Earth (HK), the GBA Economic and Trade Association, and the One Country Two Systems Youth Forum as co-organizers of the event. This year, Hong Kong Cyberport, HSBC, and MTR serve as mentors for the competition’s mentorship program, recruiting entrepreneurs from their start-ups to train the shortlisted university teams.
For more details about the competition, please visit the official website of the second “Kubuqi Award”: https://kubuqiaward.com, or follow the competition’s social media page (Instagram: thekubuqiaward) to stay updated with the latest information.
About the Elion Foundation
Elion Foundation is a public welfare charity organization focusing on environmental protection businesses. The foundation is committed to promoting the development of new technologies and models in the field of ecological governance and environmental protection both domestically and internationally, especially in countries along the “Belt and Road”.
