On 15th April, Rwanda embassy staffs and diplomats participated in the tree planting event in Changping district in Beijing capital city of China. The event was organized by the Chinese Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries in partnership with Beijing Municipality Foreign Affairs Office, the People’s Government of Changping District, the Capital Greening Office and Committee of Beijing Youth League. The objective is to combat pollution. 

This year event theme “Fully Embrace the Green Earth, Jointly Build a Capital of Harmony and Livability” highlights the effort of joining together in action of making Beijing a better and greener city. Beijing city has sixteen districts of which every year at least one of them hosts the event of planting tree. In her remarks welcoming delegates on the event Mme. Tian Yan, executive vice president of Beijing People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries conveyed the initiative of planting trees as the joint aim of making Beijing more health and also a means to enhance friendship and cooperation between Beijing Municipal Party and foreign countries.

The entire Embassy Diplomats and Staff attended the event to demonstrate Rwanda’s support for China’s efforts in combatting pollution and protecting the environment. The event was exciting for Rwanda Embassy participants who normally carry out tree planting in the spring rains as a way of protecting environment. Rwandans also participate in such community work every last Saturday of the month, what is known in Rwanda as” Umuganda” or community work.

The event of planting trees in Beijing and surrounding areas was launched in 2015 and has been widely recognized by Beijing Municipal government. The event has been rewarded as top event in Beijing city last year. Beijing and Shanghai have raised much concern of high pollution amid of starting this year and both city governments have initiated measures for reducing pollution.

ENDS.