Global Schools Joined Delegates at the “International Symposium: Miyawaki Forests and Urban Forests”

From October 10-14, 2024, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network’s (SDSN) Global Schools Program took part in the “International Symposium: Miyawaki Forests and Urban Forests.” The summit, the first-of-its kind, was hosted by the G20 Global Land Initiative, the Morino Project, and the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). It brought together industry experts, academics, non-profit organizations, UN leaders, and students from 26 countries to support the Miyawaki forests.

During the first two days of the Symposium, through panel discussions, poster presentations, and workshops, participants showcased a range of regional and local examples of tree planting initiatives. Among them was Global Schools Director Amanda Abrom, who presented on integrating land restoration in the Global Schools Program’s education initiatives.

Over the next three days, delegates participated in experiential learning activities and tours. The Global Schools Program and other delegates attended a seedling production workshop at the Kimitsu Green Center. Participants attended a tree-planting ceremony and joined community members and students in planting a Miyawaki forest in a degraded area of the Shonan Kokusai Village. Later, delegates visited a forest at the Hayama Elementary school, hearing from teachers and students on the impact the forest has made on the environment and the learning community. Finally, teachers planted a forest at Shiroyama Kumano Shrine.

The UN SDSN looks forward to future collaborations and partnership with the G20 Global Land Initiative to bring land restoration to schools globally.