KUCHING: The Nippon Foundation Volunteer Center, in collaboration with the Japan Malaysia Association, dispatched a total of 26 Japanese high school and university students to Sarawak, Malaysia. They planted 5,000 trees in Gunung Apeng National Park.
This project aims to protect tropical rainforests, which are decreasing due to the expansion of oil palm plantations that serve as raw material for palm oil. It also aims to provide Japanese students with a first-hand experience of the issues surrounding tropical rainforests, such as the preservation and enrichment of biodiversity.
According to participant Takimoto Chitan, he initially focused on achieving his goal of planting 2,500 trees. However, this project made him realize that tree planting involves various processes and requires the involvement of many people for each sapling.
“After learning about this, I became aware that planting trees involves not only the act of planting but also careful consideration for the people involved and a wish for the growth of the seedlings,” he said.
Moreover, by planting trees alongside members of the Bidayuh community, they were able to build trusting relationships.
“I would like to utilize this experience in the future and return to see the forest that we have planted,” he said.
The students were divided into two groups and stayed in Sarawak from February 6th to 17th and from March 6th to 16th. They worked with the Bidayuh people in Gunung Apeng National Park to prepare, transport, and plant saplings, resulting in a total of 5,000 trees being planted.
In addition to tree planting, the students also learned about the history and culture of Borneo by visiting the Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Tong Nibong village, and taking a Kuching city tour.
The Nippon Foundation Volunteer Center aims to continue sending volunteers over the next 10 years to plant a total of 100,000 trees.
