Hosted by the Australian Chamber of Commerce (AustCham) in Korea as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, the ‘Yeouido Hangang Eco Conservation Project’ took place on Saturday, May 29, one day prior to the much-anticipated P4G Summit.

Joined by senior representatives from ANZ, Blueleaf Energy (a subsidiary of Macquarie Group), Herbert Smith Freehills, IFM Investors, Millennium Hilton Seoul, POSCO and Woodside Energy, the project provided a platform for the business community to give back to the community by coming together and assisting with the upkeep and rejuvenation of the Saetgang Ecological Park, located along the Han River in Yeouido, Seoul.

 Jaewan Lee, Vice President, Head of International Relations, POSCO, and Yong Man Park, Sr. Manager, International Relations, POSCO, are joined by their families

The Saetgang Center, which was opened in March 2019 oversees the Saetgang Ecological Park, and since 2020, has been working on the removal of ecological disturbing species such as thorns and round ginseng vines that have covered the Saetgang forest.

In addition, the Center has also successfully planted 6500 saetral trees on the south side of Saetgang Park, around 3.5km along the Olympic Highway. The trees are resistant to pollution and retain their leaves all year round, playing an important role in removing dust and noise.

In addition to the increase in Net Zero target commitments from both Australian and Korean corporations, including many of those that joined Saturday’s event, the Chamber strongly believes it is important for companies and individuals to take a holistic approach to adopting a sustainable lifestyle. Ecological conservation provides a valuable channel for working with local communities to harmonize nature for a more resilient future.

Andrew Wagner, Investment Director and Country Head, Korea of Blueleaf Energy Asia

Andrew Wagner, Investment Director and Country Head, Korea of Blueleaf Energy Asia, emphasised the importance of ongoing conservation efforts to support sustainable development and facilitate decarbonisation.

“Blueleaf Energy is pleased to support the Saetgang Centre’s Yeouido Hangang Eco Conservation Project to continue the good work that the Centre commenced in Saetgang Ecological Park in 2020. Blueleaf Energy seeks to work in close cooperation with the communities where it operates to create a win-win outcome for all parties, particularly as we expand our footprint across the region. Today’s event with the Saetgang Centre is reflective of that commitment”, he said.

AustCham Korea’s Executive Director, Rowan Petz, likewise expressed his passion for the activity, saying “This type of CSR initiative is a valuable extension of the Chamber’s commitment to sustainability, which is reflected in our Energy, Resources and Sustainability Sub-Committee and commitment to the Blue Skies and Net Zero 2050 Campaign, led by the Global Green Growth Institute. I see eco-conservation as a vivid reminder of the fragile and precious ecosystems that underpin the foundations of our cities, outside the board room.”

AustCham CSR volunteers, including representatives of Woodside Energy and POSCO, hard at work

The eco-conservation activity was part of AustCham Korea’s broader CSR efforts, which include assisting vulnerable communities around Seoul and continuing the legacy of Australia’s role in the Korean War by donating annual Gapyeong Education Scholarships. The sustainable focus of the activity reflects the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to promoting sustainability, as an active member of the Blue Skies and Net Zero 2050 Campaign.

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Media Contact:

Kate Kalinova

Project Manager

Australian Chamber of Commerce in Korea

02-766-9590

Info@austchamkorea.org