The Gwangju Metropolitan City and Shinsegae have joined forces to conserve the Gangjin Bay ecosystem, a key habitat for migratory birds such as swans. The initiative goes beyond simple environmental cleanup to include habitat restoration, community involvement, and expanding markets for local agricultural and fishery products.
On August 27, Gwangju Mayor Min Hyung-bae and Shinsegae CEO Park Joo-hyung signed a memorandum of understanding for biodiversity conservation and regional coexistence at the Gwangju City Hall business room.
Under the agreement, the two parties will work over the next two years to create a stable habitat for wildlife, including swans, and restore damaged ecological spaces in the lower Tanjin River and Gangjin Bay area.
This project will involve not only businesses and government but also local residents and environmental organizations.
Shinsegae will provide funding for habitat creation and restoration efforts, and its employees will participate in environmental cleanup activities.
Additionally, the company will collaborate to expand the market for eco-friendly agricultural and fishery products produced in the Gangjin area.
Local residents will offer winter fallow farmland as habitat and feeding grounds for migratory birds. The Jeonnam Environmental Movement Association will handle on-site activities such as habitat creation, restoration of damaged ecosystems, and ecological monitoring.
The Gwangju Metropolitan City will provide administrative support necessary for the project, ensuring that private ecological conservation efforts are sustainable and integrated into the community.
This agreement is particularly significant as it connects corporate ESG activities with local ecosystem conservation and the enhancement of residents' income and regional economic vitality. The structure combines corporate funding and manpower with residents providing ecological spaces, alongside the expertise of environmental organizations and administrative support.
The Gwangju Metropolitan City envisions that improving the ecological environment will enhance the region's environmental value, creating a virtuous cycle that benefits the local economy and residents.
Efforts will also be made to designate the Gangjin Bay area as a 'Nature Coexistence Area' (OECM). This aims to establish a foundation for the continuous conservation and management of biodiversity based on voluntary participation from residents, rather than merely focusing on ecosystem restoration.
Gangjin Bay is an estuarine ecosystem where freshwater from the Tanjin River meets seawater, attracting various migratory birds, including swans. Once the project is fully underway, it is expected to improve the habitat for migratory birds and contribute to the conservation of the ecosystem, as well as enhance the region's ecological value.
Mayor Min Hyung-bae stated, "This is the first step in fulfilling our promise to citizens to pave the way for sustainable growth based on a green city. Our direction is to create a sustainable growth model for the region by protecting the environment together with citizens, businesses, and government."
He added, "We will actively support efforts to create a healthy Gangjin Bay that swans return to every year and to protect the ecosystem, which can lead to new value and vitality for the region."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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