GREEN LONG MARCH OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES AT OPENING CEREMONY AND OLYMPIC PARK EVENTSApril 4, 2009

The Green Long March (GLM) was officially launched at Beijing Forestry University on Saturday with the national Opening Ceremony. Over 8,000 youth environmentalists, GLM student leaders and their supporters gathered under a bright blue sky to attend the ceremony, which featured performances and speeches by government officials, environmental experts and student leaders. Also in attendance were 10 Green Long March ambassadors, including Wang Zhizhi (former NBA basketball player) and Yan Weiwen (People's Liberation Army tenor) who were there to show their support. Additionally, 13 Green Seed Awards were presented to the students for their winning environmental action plans. Awards varied between 2,000 to 5,000 RMB and are supported by Founding Sponsor Goldman Sachs Gao Hua, Gold Sponsors Swire Pacific Ltd and Suzlon Energy, Silver Sponsor ZeShan Foundation, and Sustainable Bronze Sponsor Arcandor AG.

In the afternoon, students traveled to the Olympic Park and were joined by environmental clubs from universities across Beijing in conducting environmental awareness campaigns. Situated between the iconic Bird's Nest National Stadium and the Water Cube, students had set up informational stalls and games for the public to participate in. GLM student leaders stood above maps of their routes and engaged the public by explaining the GLM concept and their individual projects. The public was also welcomed the sign the maps and write down significant towns and geographical features.

Activities on Saturday also included a tree planting activity in Zhoukoudian. Students from BFU and other local universities traveled to Hebei Province to take part in this joint Green Bridge and Green Long March activity. Green Bridge is an annual environmental activity organized by BFU for Beijing university students interested in the environment.

Opening Ceremony Photos:




Olympic Park Photos: