Launch of IYV on the tiny British Overseas Territory
of St Helena Island.
The Launch of the International Year of the Volunteer on 5 December
will be marked on St Helena by a tree planting ceremony in the Millennium
Forest.
UNV Statistical Advisor, Ms Nyunt Nyunt Win will plant the first tree
and representatives from voluntary organizations on the island will
follow.
The Millennium Forest is the result of a reforestation project, to mark
the New Millennium, that involves the planting of an area of barren
waste land with trees of endemic species that once formed a forest there
several centuries ago. There has been great community support for this
initiative and already over 400 trees have been planted. These are all
gumwoods, but it is hoped that other endemic species will be added at
a later date.
In the small community of St Helena (5,000 inhabitants) volunteerism
plays a major role. There are over 50 voluntary organizations, groups
and societies that range from uniformed youth organizations to charities
and those representing environmental interests. IYV is welcomed as a
special opportunity to reward all the time and dedication that is invested
by all those involved.
A Steering Group has been formed to co-ordinate an exciting programme
of events to celebrate IYV throughout 2001, and further details of events
will be published.
