Jaidyn Kennedy
Over 100 volunteers joined in the Trees for Peace ceremony at the WynTree Nursery in Point Cook on Tuesday, September 24.
A collaboration between WynTree and HWPL’s International Peace Youth Group (IPYG), the tree planting initiative was held as part of a global celebration marking the 10th Anniversary of the HWPL World Peace Summit that was held in 2014 in Seoul, South Korea.
Re-potting 500 seedlings in an hour, the event was part of an effort to combat carbon emissions and restore forestation through increasing canopy coverage in Wyndham.
WynTree Reforestation Project in Wyndham founder Walter Villagonzalo discussed the collaboration.
“We are collaborating with them because we see this as a mutually beneficial event.
“It’s really a blessing that we have HWPL and IPYG with us. Their energy, exuberance, and enthusiasm were badly needed today, and they have come to the rescue.”
While he admitted that, “we ask ourselves the same question, are we really making a difference,” Mr Villagonzalo firmly believes in the importance of grassroots efforts in peace and environmental advocacy.
Describing the joint venture as hitting two birds with one stone, Mr Villangonzalo emphasised that tree planting is a great way to foster peace locally and globally.
“A lot of the community come from places still at war, living on opposite sides of conflicts and it’s one small action they can take.” he said.
The celebration of HWPL World Peace Summit will see festivities happen in over 50 countries.
