The tree grew out of the efforts and collaborative work of an American organization called Kids Against Pollution (KAP), "People Count TV," and television producer Barbara Pyle. The tree consists of a wood bark, wires as branches and postcards with drawings of leaves replacing the real thing. These "leaves" were sent to Johannesburg from people around the world following a television appeal made on the program "One Child, One Voice" in May. These mailings symbolized the mass concern of the general public for the future and well being of the planet. During 1992's Earth Summit in Rio, where seeds of the Tree of Life were originally planted, over one million leaves were delivered and displayed before the world.

None of the KAP leaders are old enough to drive a car in the United States but have come to Johannesburg with a most impressive goal. "We came here to go to the summit and get across the point of view of youth," said Andrew Lamphere, 15. "It's gonna get the children's voices from around the world-who couldn't be here-heard."

Lamphere, who lives in upstate New York, explained that his KAP chapter raised money through raffles and other fundraisers with the KAP chapter in Georgia to send over a delegation to the WSSD. The logistical planning of the trip was carried out in large part via email and telephone.

The young delegates agree that they have embarked upon an amazing experience, but point out that they are not getting to fully represent their point of view.

"We helped draft the speech for the General Assembly, but we still haven't had our voices heard," said Ilai Kenney, 13, who is officially the youngest delegate represented at the WSSD.

Robbie Romero, the UN Ambassador of Youth for the Environment, and a friend of Barbara Pyle, believes the youth voice is the most important voice to be heard at the summit.

"I think it is critical that their voice is heard particularly because they are choosing their own futures," he said.

But Kenney believes that their work at the summit and their tree can be even more effective when KAP takes the Tree of Life back to the US.

The teenager said, "When we go back to the states, we hope we have had an impact and raised awareness."

The tree will return home with the delegates to upstate New York where it will be on display at the Children's Museum. It will later make its way down to Georgia via other KAP chapter cities, where it will also be displayed.

National KAP youth leader Shadia Wood, 15, said the presence of the tree in the KAP chapter cities would serve an important purpose. The presence of the tree would be responsible for "keeping the spirit of Johannesburg alive, and keeping American youth focused on sustainable development, eliminating poverty and promoting clean energy and peace."