Tree-planting campaign to help raise environmental awareness among public

Students are invited to take part in an activity which aims to raise awareness of the need to protect trees and the health benefits of hiking.

Friends of the Earth (FoE) is inviting young people to plant tree seedlings at Tai Lam Country Park next month.

The First Tree-planting Challenge will be held on May 5. It will be divided into two categories - a Youth Team for those aged between 15 and 17 and an Open Team for participants aged 18 or above. Each team should consist of four people.

Competitors will be responsible for delivering seedlings and planting tools from the starting point at Tai Tong to the activity site near Wong Nai Tun Reservoir - a distance of about 10 kilometres. They will also be involved in digging pits, planting and adding fertiliser - all within six hours. The quartet who complete their tasks within the shortest time will receive The Outstanding Tree-Planting Team award.

Beforehand, FoE will hold workshops where participants will be taught tree-planting skills and how to protect seedlings. It hopes that 400 volunteers can help plant 10,000 seedlings and raise funds for environmental projects. Last year, more than 50,000 trees were destroyed in wild fires in country parks around Hong Kong.