Established as a company in 2018, GreenSmiths empowers young people to create more sustainable futures and develops them into environmental leaders, by eco-engineering appropriately designed projects.
Funding from The Habitat Foundation will allow them to expand on their successful Sustainable Schools pilot project at SMK Tunku Puan Habsah in 2019, which was also funded by the Foundation under its education pillar.
Building on Think City’s Green Corridor initiative to encourage schools to use their fields for urban biodiversity gardens, this project will support six schools in composting, strengthening green corridors, and growing herbs and vegetables. Greensmiths will work with other local organizations to help mentor the schoolchildren in establishing and maintaining edible and biodiversity gardens.
Using resources generated by the Urban Biodiversity Initiative – another recipient of a THF Conservation Grant, it will develop a citizen science programme to document the species present within the vicinity of their school and any changes in the presence of native butterflies and other pollinators in conjunction with efforts to reduce pesticide use and enhance the planting of local food plants.
At The Habitat Penang Hill we are also embarking on a little biodiversity gardening ourselves! Our Grow Tong gardens on our shop roof top are designed to attract native species and also produce edibles for everyone to enjoy!
Overall, these initiatives will not only transform how schools use their green spaces but also change how students regard the potential within the green spaces at home.
