Students as River Guardians at CISK

Founded in 2008, the Beijing Entrepreneurs Environmental Protection Foundation (SEE Foundation) is one of China’s leading environmental non-profit organizations. The foundation is committed to advancing ecological conservation and sustainable development by supporting scientific research, ecological restoration, public engagement, and social innovation initiatives.

SEE Foundation has a strong focus on biodiversity conservation, protected areas, and environmental awareness, and actively builds collaborative platforms connecting businesses, non-profits, research institutions, and the public to promote collective environmental action.

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is a specialized institute within the United Nations system dedicated to capacity-building and training. Through education, training, and knowledge-sharing, UNITAR supports countries and institutions in advancing sustainable development, environmental governance, and other global priorities.

By working closely with governments, educational institutions, and civil society organizations, UNITAR promotes youth engagement, international collaboration, and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), providing professional expertise and a global perspective.

A Project Launch Beginning with Dialogue

Beyond the Classroom, Toward the River

Following the initial discussions, guests and the CISK team visited the Nanyao River for a field observation and exchange.

In this real-world setting, river ecology was no longer confined to textbooks but became something students could observe, document, and reflect upon.

This lies at the heart of the River Guardians Program —
learning that takes place in the real world, helping students understand the relationship between humans and nature, and recognize the impact they can make.

Official Launch for Students

In the afternoon, the River Guardians Program was officially introduced to the entire student body. During the event, CISK and representatives from the SEE Foundation and UNITAR formally signed a project cooperation agreement, marking the establishment of a multi-party partnership and providing a solid foundation for the program’s long-term implementation.

The program will take river ecosystems and campus biodiversity as key entry points, integrating science, geography, arts, and community action. Through sustained observation, investigation, and hands-on practice, students will gradually develop a deeper understanding of ecological systems and a strong sense of responsibility toward environmental stewardship.

From River to Campus: A Long-Term Ecological Commitment

The River Guardians Program also forms an integral part of CISK’s Campus Biodiversity Conservation and Ecological Restoration Plan.

Grounded in global biodiversity challenges and informed by the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the initiative promotes ecological restoration, the creation of micro-habitats, and long-term environmental monitoring both on campus and in surrounding areas—embedding sustainability into everyday school life.

Looking ahead, students will take part in a wide range of learning and action-based experiences, including biodiversity surveys, ecological infrastructure development, environmental data collection, and communication initiatives. Through these efforts, environmental protection becomes not just a concept, but a meaningful, ongoing journey of learning and growth.

北京市企业家环保基金会（SEE Foundation） 成立于 2008 年，是中国具有广泛影响力的环保公益基金会之一。基金会致力于推动生态保护与可持续发展，通过支持科学研究、生态修复、公众参与及社会创新项目，促进环境治理的长期改善。

SEE Foundation 长期关注生物多样性保护、自然保护地建设以及公众环保意识提升，并积极搭建企业、公益组织、科研机构与公众之间的协作平台，推动多方参与的环境行动。

联合国训练研究所（United Nations Institute for Training and Research, UNITAR） 是联合国体系内专注于能力建设与培训的专门机构，致力于通过教育、培训与知识分享，支持各国在可持续发展、环境治理与全球议题上的行动。

UNITAR 通过与政府、教育机构及社会组织合作，推动青年参与、国际交流与可持续发展目标（SDGs）的实践，为全球范围内的可持续发展提供专业支持与国际视角。

一场从“交流”开始的项目启动

走出教室，走向河岸

启动仪式结束后，嘉宾与学校团队一同前往南窑河沿岸，进行实地考察与交流。

在真实的自然环境中，河流生态不再只是课本中的概念，而成为可以被观察、被记录、被思考的学习对象。 

这正是“守护河流计划”的核心，让学习发生在真实世界中，让学生理解人与自然的关系，并意识到自身可以产生的影响。

面向学生的正式发布

当天下午，“守护河流计划”面向全体学生正式发布。活动中，CISK 与 SEE 基金会及 UNITAR 相关机构代表共同完成项目合作协议签署，正式确立多方合作机制，为项目的长期实施提供坚实支持。 

项目将以河流生态与校园生物多样性为切入点，结合科学、地理、艺术与社区行动，鼓励学生在长期观察、调查与实践中，逐步建立对生态系统的理解与责任感。

从河流到校园：一项长期的生态行动

“守护河流计划”同时也是 CISK 校园生物多样性保护与生态修复计划 的重要组成部分。该计划以全球生物多样性保护议题为背景，参考 《昆明—蒙特利尔全球生物多样性框架》，通过校园与周边环境的生态修复、小微生境营造与长期监测，推动可持续发展理念在校园中落地生根。

未来，学生将参与包括生物多样性调查、生态设施建设、环境数据记录与传播在内的多样化学习与行动，让保护自然不再是口号，而是一段真实、持续的成长过程。