Recently, representatives of the non-profit, environmental organisation, Shanghai Roots & Shoots (R&S), visited our Campus to thank the students and staff of YCIS Shanghai, Pudong for our support toward The Million Tree Project.

At an afternoon Secondary assembly, R&S representatives, Heather Wigmore and Elizabeth Jenswold, shared photos of the dramatic changes their project has rendered, from desert sands to budding forests in less than three years. The pair also presented us with a specially engraved plaque, acknowledging that we raised and donated RMB 25,000 yuan for the planting of a 1,000-tree forest in Inner Mongolia. On behalf of our School, Mr. D' Andrea and members of our Ecology Action Team accepted the award.

In spring 2008, R&S issued a "Thousand Tree Challenge", inviting international schools in Shanghai to sponsor a 1000-tree forest to help stop desertification in Inner Mongolia. Our Ecology Action Team enthusiastically accepted this challenge and became an inspirational force in promoting YCIS support of the project. Mostly through the sale of reusable, cloth bags and drink bottles, our school community earned the funding to sponsor a 1000-tree forest in our School's name.

A revitalised forest means reduced loss of topsoil and fewer dust storms in the region. The forests provide valuable employment to the local community. And more trees sequester more carbon dioxide which helps reduce the effects of climate change. This is a win-win project for everyone involved!

Go Roots & Shoots! Go Ecology Action Team! Go green!