People around the world came together on June 5th to mark the 50th World Environment Day by taking part in activities that seek to raise awareness about environmental degradation and the crucial need for environmental protections. United with the worldwide campaign, Youth Act Kalimantan mobilized university students in Palangka Raya to plant hundreds of trees.
In collaboration with Muhammadiyah University of Palangka Raya students, who are doing community service (KKN), and students of HMPS HTN of IAIN University Palangka Raya, we planted 310 trees during a two-day campaign on June 4-5th. Eighty students planted trees on their campuses and in peatland forests.
The students chose endemic peatland tree species for seedlings, including Bungur, Pulai, Balangeran, Meranti Rawa, and Rambai trees. These five species have strong resistance (maybe take out “strong resistance,” not sure what you mean/”can easily adapt” sounds like a similar idea so maybe just leave that) and can easily adapt to harsh degraded peatland conditions. Besides providing ecological value for the ecosystem, they also have their own unique benefits, such as the Pulai tree, whose bark is used by the local people of Kalimantan as medicine for healing skin conditions.
"I am extremely happy to plant my tree today, as I know it means I am taking part in protecting the earth and environment. The tree is the lung of this world. It provides water and fresh air,” explains Aprianto, a student at Muhammadiyah University.
"I hope all the trees will grow strong," he continued.
Through this movement, we want to spread the message that we only have one earth, which is extremely vulnerable in the present day. We hope to inspire others, as well, to take an active role in protecting our environment.
