Green Earth Network (GEN) is a certified NPO engaged in grassroots environmental cooperation across borders. It has supported greening in Datong City, Shanxi Province and Yu County, Hebei Province in China for a combined 35 years, "painting a green picture on the yellow earth." With strong local effort, the greenery has recovered to the point where no new places for planting could be found.
GEN has now moved from the stage of "planting trees" to watching the trees grow into forests. In Japan, it offers opportunities for anyone to learn about nature and the environment, including "GEN Anything Study Sessions," online sessions with invited experts held roughly once a month, "GEN Nature Club" outings for plant observation and bird watching, and Green Earth College (GEC) for in-depth study of specific themes.
GEN also runs internships for university students and people in their 20s and 30s, publishes a bimonthly newsletter, "Midori no Chikyu" (Green Earth), and has started "GEN Research," which reviews the results of its work in China from a scientific perspective. Its official website was updated with essays and event information as recently as October 2026.
Key points
- Greening cooperation in Datong and Yu County for a combined 35 years
- Online study sessions and nature outings that are easy to join, even for non-members
- Welcomes student and young interns, and aims to be a platform connecting companies, researchers and citizens
Why this organization's work stands out
After planting, GEN analyzes with experts how the greenery has changed and hopes to put that knowledge to use for greening drylands around the world, which makes it a useful reference. It shows an attitude of turning trial-and-error experience into a shared resource.
Alongside greening support in a distant country, it offers chances to look at familiar weeds and local nature. There are many ways to start thinking of environmental issues as your own.
Editor's comment
It was encouraging to see an activity that has lasted 35 years grow into a place for learning together. It feels like a new form of international cooperation.
Upcoming events and ways to take part are on the official website. Please feel free to take a look.