Recently, nearly a hundred college students from Hunan Agricultural University stepped out of the “ivory tower” of campus and began a 12-kilometer hiking activity along the banks of the Liuyang River titled “Protecting Our Mother River, We Are Taking Action.” The event was hosted by Hunan Agricultural University, with special support from Changsha Evening News and Chunlei Public Welfare. “We hope more people will protect our mother river. We can take the first step so that more will follow,” said Jiang Bing, director of the Environmental Protection Association at Hunan Agricultural University.
Without a grand crowd of thousands or disruptive loudspeaker slogans, this “mother river” environmental protection hiking event took a “low-key luxury” approach. It is understood that the hike started from Hunan Agricultural University and ended at the Liuyang River Santang Pumping Station, covering a total distance of 12 kilometers. Over 60 volunteers brought their own drinking water, rations, and eco-friendly garbage recycling equipment, wore appropriate outdoor gear, and marched along the Liuyang River scenic belt while holding up blue banners reading “Protect Our Mother River.”
Zhou Xiaoming, a teacher from the Department of Bioengineering at Hunan Agricultural University, explained that in order to get more people involved in protecting the Liuyang River, he and his students have tried various activities. The Liuyang River rafting experience made them realize the severity of pollution, and the hiking activity helped spread environmental awareness among local residents. “We’ve been promoting the topic of Liuyang River protection—on land, on water—we’ve tried everything except air travel,” said Teacher Zhou Xiaoming. He added that he and his students walk this path first, and the more they walk, the more people will see and follow. The dream of a cleaner Liuyang River will come true faster as a result. (Reported by Qing Yongfeng, Intern Reporter Li Yanlin)