Gekeng village, nestled within Dongguan city, Guangdong Province, has witnessed a remarkable transformation thanks to a pioneering initiative known as the “flower bank”. Designed to foster a green ethos and support sustainable development, this unique project has captured the imagination of local residents, encouraging them to embrace eco-friendly practices.
Inspired by the operational model of traditional banks, the “flower bank” allows households to open accounts and earn virtual “flower coins” through a variety of community-benefitting activities. Residents can accrue these coins by beautifying their homes, engaging in waste recycling, and participating in public welfare endeavors and skills training sessions. These “flower coins” can then be deposited into their accounts and later exchanged for goods, services, or to fulfill the wishes of children and women in need.
Upon opening an account, participants are awarded five “flower coins” along with a potted plant or flower. Further contributions towards enhancing the village’s aesthetic earn varying amounts of additional coins. For instance, activities such as planting and nurturing plants, organizing home spaces, or donating reusable items can yield between one to four “flower coins” each month. Notably, exceptional efforts in maintaining exemplary yards can yield more than ten “flower coins”.
The rewards available for exchange include a range of items such as electric fans, space heaters, basketballs, power strips, art supplies, toilet paper, and trendy “blind box” toys. Local businesses have generously donated these rewards, underscoring their commitment to supporting community initiatives.
A long-standing company operating in Gekeng village voiced their support, emphasizing the importance of collective effort in enhancing the local environment and fostering community cohesion. They promptly donated electric fans upon learning of the project’s reward system, aiming to incentivize broader participation and retention of local talent.
Since its inception, the “flower bank” has gained rapid traction within Gekeng village. More than 70% of households have embraced gardening, with many transitioning from receiving a single plant to cultivating lush gardens. Currently, over 333 households have registered with the “flower bank”, resulting in the issuance of 4,950 virtual “flower coins” and the planting of 11,264 trees and flowers across the village.
Among the early adopters is Mrs. Zhu, who transformed her yard into a flourishing garden using plants obtained through her “flower coin” deposits. Attending training sessions organized by the “flower bank” enabled her to accrue additional coins, with her efforts recognized by local authorities for achieving a model “beautiful garden” status in Dongguan. Her enthusiasm has earned her over 80 “flower coins”, making her one of the initiative’s leading contributors in Hengli township.
Beyond beautifying the village, the “flower bank” has become a platform for educational activities, engaging children in designing and decorating yards during mock council meetings. These activities not only enrich the children’s learning experiences but also foster a sense of community pride and involvement.
Looking ahead, inspired by Gekeng’s success, Hengli township plans to introduce additional “flower banks” to replicate and expand upon this transformative model. The initiative not only enhances rural aesthetics but also promotes economic resilience and social harmony, reflecting a broader commitment to sustainable development in Guangdong Province.
The “flower bank” stands as a testament to innovative thinking and community spirit, injecting vitality into efforts to promote high-quality development across Guangdong’s rural landscapes. As similar initiatives take root, they promise to further elevate standards of living and environmental stewardship across the province.
