Friends of Nature (China) facts for kids
Friends of Nature (often called FON) is the oldest environmental group in China. It's a special kind of group called a non-government organization (NGO). This means it's not part of the government. FON officially started on March 31, 1994.
FON works to teach people about protecting our planet. They focus on things like saving animals that are in danger, recycling, and saving energy. They do this through fun workshops, field trips, and by training teachers. FON has also helped many other environmental groups and student clubs start up across China. It was the first legal NGO in China.
Who Started FON?
FON was founded by a person named Liang Congjie. His parents, Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin, were famous experts in architectural history in China. Another activist, Hu Jia, became interested in helping the environment after joining FON's activities.
Helping the Tibetan Antelope
In 1996, members of FON traveled to Kekexili. They went there to learn more about the Tibetan antelope, a special animal living in that area.
Two years later, FON held important meetings about protecting the Tibetan antelope. They worked with big international groups like the World Wide Fund for Nature and the International Fund for Animal Welfare. These meetings helped more people learn about the challenges facing the antelope.
In October 1998, Liang Congjie wrote an open letter to the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair. He asked the United Kingdom to help stop the illegal trade of Tibetan antelope fur. Prime Minister Blair quickly replied, showing he cared and supported China's efforts to protect the antelope. His response brought worldwide attention to the issue. Many people wanted to join the effort, offering money and help to FON's campaign.
