Progress report for
WHENCE Initiative
Achievement at a glance
The year 2025 has been a milestone period for the WHENCE Initiative, marked by significant institutional and programmatic advancements. The global governance and implementation framework has been robustly strengthened, with the SCENES Management Committee providing overarching governance and our partner, Henan Dagong Technology, serving as the sole executive unit, ensuring efficient collaboration across global, national, and local levels. A pivotal achievement has been facilitating China's historic participation in two major international youth platforms: Henan Dagong Technology's appointment as the Permanent Secretariat for the International Youth Chef Jamboree (IYCJ), coupled with the successful delivery of the first-ever Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Gold Residential Project in China. These accomplishments set a new precedent for global youth exchange centered on water heritage, culture, and culinary arts. Furthermore, Camp Mont Nuage in China has earned multiple international accreditations from the Cygnus Network, the Leave No Trace Center, and the Goose Network, establishing it as a high-quality hub for nature and outdoor ethics education connecting China and the world. Collectively, these successes represent substantial breakthroughs across the Initiative's three core pillars: ecological protection, cultural preservation, and youth capacity building.Challenges faced in implementation
The primary challenges encountered revolve around the deep integration of a comprehensive global framework with diverse regional needs and cultural contexts. Firstly, localizing international water heritage education curricula requires a careful balance between global standards and local adaptability, posing significant demands on curriculum developers and educators. Secondly, the rapid expansion of the partner network necessitates continuous and meticulous coordination to maintain alignment on project standards and implementation pace among all stakeholders—from international organizations to local executing entities. Additionally, fostering sustained interest in water science and its underlying cultural heritage among a broader age range, particularly youth, beyond one-off events remains an ongoing educational challenge requiring constant innovation.Next Steps
The next phase of the Initiative will focus on the following priorities:1. Deepening Youth Engagement: Formally launch and promote the "Youth Ambassador Program" and the "Great Rivers Young Scholars Program," establishing a systematic framework for cultivating young leaders and empowering them to lead community projects.
2. Expanding the Partner Network: Proactively establish strategic collaborations with more river basin management authorities, research institutions, and corporations to co-develop technical solutions and shared resource platforms for water heritage education.
3. Enhancing Capacity Building: Leveraging the SCENES framework and international camp accreditations, develop a series of training courses for educators, camp instructors, and youth representatives to enhance their professional capabilities.
4. Preparing for Major Events: Dedicate efforts to preparing for the 2026 International Youth Chef Jamboree to be hosted in China, using this opportunity to systematically showcase the achievements and models of water heritage protection in the Yellow River Basin to a global audience.
Beneficiaries
The beneficiaries of the Initiative are diverse and extensive: • Youth and Children: They are the primary beneficiaries. Through participation in the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, IYCJ, the SCENES Youth Programme, and various nature camp activities, they gain holistic development in leadership, cultural awareness, ecological literacy, and social responsibility. • Educators and Youth Leaders: This includes teachers, camp instructors, and community organizers. They benefit from internationally certified training and professional development opportunities, enhancing their skills in the field of non-formal education. • Local Communities: Residents in the Yellow River Basin and other project areas benefit from environmental improvements, revitalized cultural heritage, and subsequent opportunities in sustainable tourism and development. • Global Partner Network: This includes UN-related agencies, international NGOs, government bodies, and corporations, which collectively amplify their impact in global youth development and sustainable development through resource sharing and collaboration.
Actions
We have undertaken several concrete actions to positively impact our beneficiaries:• Empowering Youth: Successfully delivered the first Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Gold Residential Project in China, providing a platform for joint adventure and community service for Chinese and international youth. Simultaneously, supported the inaugural official Chinese delegation to the International Youth Chef Jamboree and engaged thousands of young people in water heritage education through online platforms.
• Capacity Building and Certification: Through authorization from the SCENES Management Commission, issued certificates recognizing participants as "Youth Advocates for Sustainable Development" upon program completion. Secured the "Gold Standard" partnership from the Leave No Trace Center for Camp Mont Nuage, ensuring youth learn in an environment that meets top-tier international outdoor ethics standards.
• Building International Exchange Bridges: Facilitated the partnership between Camp Mont Nuage and the Goose Network, establishing the camp as a recommended base for EU youth nature learning exchanges, thereby creating a stable cross-cultural communication channel for Chinese and European youth.
• Localizing Educational Practice: Conducted field education activities in the Yellow River Basin that integrate water science, sediment regulation, and cultural heritage (e.g., Longmen Grottoes, Grand Canal), enabling youth to experience the value of water heritage firsthand and translating global issues into local action.