On March 12, the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) celebrated the 47^th National Tree Planting Day, also known as Arbor Day, on campus. The day highlights the important role of trees in environmental conservation and encourages collective efforts towards sustainability.

The University organized a Tree Planting Day-themed event, where Hong JIANG, University Council Chairperson, was joined by Ling ZHANG, University Council Vice-Chairperson; Wensheng YAO, University Council Vice-Chairperson and Secretary of the Commission for Discipline Inspection; and Xiaodong HAN, Acting Vice President. Along with faculty members and students, they participated in tree planting and other activities, reinforcing SUSTech’s commitment to promoting a greener Guangdong.

In her remarks at the event, Chairperson Hong JIANG highlighted the University’s commitment to integrating ecological education with character development, a philosophy that has earned SUSTech repeated recognition as one of the country’s most beautiful universities.

Offering a linguistic perspective, she explored the more profound significance of the word “tree”, emphasizing that beyond being a symbol of ecological sustainability, trees embody the educational philosophy of “ten years to grow a tree, a hundred years to nurture a person”.

She described the National Tree Planting Day activity as both a meaningful hands-on educational experience and a vivid expression of the fundamental mission of higher education. She expressed her hope that this annual tradition would deepen faculty members’ and students’ understanding of their roles and responsibilities in education and society.

With shovels in hand, faculty and students worked together to plant and water Millettia speciosa, a tree that symbolizes growth and prosperity. This evergreen species flourishes year-round, with lush foliage and striking pink blossoms that cascade like waterfalls in full bloom. First introduced to campus on last year’s National Tree Planting Day, the tree was selected for its ecological benefits and ornamental beauty, further enriching the University’s green landscape.

To conclude the event, everyone in attendance gathered to place identification tags on the newly planted saplings.

For nearly 15 years, SUSTech has been dedicated to creating a sustainable and inviting environment for learning and working. The University has established a rich and diverse green infrastructure through systematic ecological development, combining vertical landscaping, ecological wetlands, and forest conservation.

With a green coverage rate of 70%, SUSTech is home to thousands of plant species, forming a diverse ecosystem that includes terrestrial, aquatic, and wetland vegetation. Notable features such as scenic parks and forested hills, where over 20,000 lychee trees flourish, have become distinctive landmarks of the University.