RMIT Vietnam community contributes to conservation through walking

RMIT Vietnam community contributes to conservation through walking

RMIT Vietnam’s “Walking to plant trees” event saw 758 participants from the University’s community walk a total of 44,174 kilometres, equivalent to six laps around Vietnam, demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.

At the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasised that climate change response and the restoration of nature must become the top priority in all development decisions and form the highest ethical standards for all levels, sectors, businesses and citizens to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. 

In response to this, RMIT Vietnam Alumni, in collaboration with the Joy Foundation and Keep Vietnam Clean, hosted the ’Walking to plant trees’ campaign from 24 June to 18 July 2024. For every 10 kilometres a participant walked, RMIT pledged to plant a tree.

As a result, more than 1,000 trees were planted in two key locations including Binh Chau-Phuoc Buu Nature Reserve in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province and Phuc Tien Primary School in Hanoi.

This event served as a significant milestone in RMIT Vietnam’s ongoing 2024 Sạch Sành Sanh campaign (Clean-Clever-Continuity), aimed at creating forests and generating more oxygen through daily walking, driving sustainable development.

Over 1,000 trees were planted during "Walking to plant trees” event. Over 1,000 trees were planted during "Walking to plant trees” event.

Speaking at the event, Ms Manuela Spiga, Director of Careers, Industry and Alumni Relations at RMIT Vietnam, highlighted the success of the event, attributing it to the collective efforts of the RMIT community.

“This initiative showcases the power of unity in creating a greener environment,” she said.

Ms Trinh Thi Anh Phuong, Sustainability Manager at RMIT Vietnam, believes that the tree planting event benefits society by enhancing green spaces, which improve air quality and provide habitats for wildlife.

“Participating in this activity reinforced the importance of biodiversity and the role of native plants in maintaining ecological balance. It was a practical reminder of how interconnected our ecosystems are and the crucial role each species plays in sustaining environmental health,” she said.

On 18 July, RMIT Vietnam Alumni, Joy Foundation, and Keep Vietnam Clean joined forces to carry out a momentous tree-planting initiative. On 18 July, RMIT Vietnam Alumni, Joy Foundation, and Keep Vietnam Clean joined forces to carry out a momentous tree-planting initiative.

Ms Nguyen Thi Hong Ngoc, a representative of the Binh Chau-Phuoc Buu Nature Reserve, expressed her gratitude on behalf of the Management Board. She extended her appreciation to the RMIT community, including alumni, students, and staff, for their dedication to afforestation and the creation of green spaces. 

Ms Ngoc hoped this inspiring model and collaborative endeavour would be replicated and expanded throughout Vietnam.

The principal of Phuc Tien Primary School in Hanoi, Ms Ta Thi Kim Quy also emphasised the importance of planting green trees at educational institutions. She acknowledged the positive effects of providing students with green and refreshing spaces for their studies and activities.

“The event demonstrates RMIT’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement, fostering a sense of responsibility and unity among participants while encouraging them to continue making positive environmental impacts in their daily lives,” Ms Phuong concluded.

Story: Hieu Duong and June Pham

08 August 2024

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