7 Jeju Plus International Environmental Forum held on the 2023th... Attendance by environmental leaders from around the world
Governor Oh emphasized, “Establishing a model carbon neutral model by systemizing a plastic-free and circular economy system”
■ Jeju Special Self-Governing Province joins hands with global environmental leaders and accelerates the realization of '2040 Plastic Zero Jeju', which aims to establish a plastic-free sustainable resource circulation system by 2040.
❍ As plastic production and waste generation increase around the world, an international consensus is forming on the need to respond to environmental problems caused by plastic pollution.
❍ In order to solve the problem of environmental pollution caused by plastic, Jeju Island is pursuing policies that promote resource circulation throughout the entire life cycle of plastic, including sustainable plastic consumption, increased recycling rates, and improved waste treatment.
■ The '2023 Jeju Plus International Environmental Forum Opening Ceremony' was held at Jeju International Convention Center Halla Hall at 7pm on the 2th.
❍ At the opening ceremony on this day, Governor Oh Young-hoon, Provincial Education Superintendent Kim Gwang-soo, Provincial Council Environment and Urban Committee Chairman Song Chang-kwon, UNESCO Ecology and Earth Science Director Antonio Abreu, Ministry of Environment Climate and Carbon Policy Director Lee Chang-heum, Korea Environment Corporation's Resource Circulation Division Director Jeong Jae-woong, as well as domestic and foreign environmental representatives. About 300 people, including field leaders, experts, and residents, attended.
■ Governor Oh Young-hoon expressed his determination to lead the '2040 Plastic Zero Jeju' project to success and take the lead as a leading model for the international community.
❍ Governor Oh Young-hoon said, “Last August, we declared ‘8 Plastic Zero Jeju’ right here in August to preserve Jeju’s clean nature and realize a Jeju where people and nature are happy.” He added, “We will reduce plastic use by 2040% by 2040.” “We are establishing and promoting a specific implementation strategy with the goal of reducing and recycling 50% of the plastic that can be recycled.”
❍ He continued, “Residents, public institutions, and companies are all working together to reduce the use of plastic and turn it into a resource.” He added, “Based on citizen participation, we will evolve into an environmental policy led by residents and accelerate toward a resource-recycling economic society.” He emphasized.
❍ In addition, “If the government’s support and the interest of the international community are linked to the efforts of local governments, it will be a new starting point in solving global problems,” he said. “Jeju will definitely lead the ‘2040 Plastic Zero Jeju’ declaration to success, contributing to the international “We will build a model model for society,” he emphasized.
❍ In addition, he reiterated that “the only solution to overcome the attack of plastic is joint efforts and actions,” and added, “We ask for the support and support of the government, the international community, and global environmental experts so that Jeju can play a leading role as a city transitioning to a circular economy.” “Please,” he requested.
■ Director Antonio Abreu said, “Plastics were a major turning point in human history and gave us many possibilities, but problems are also being raised that require immediate response.” He added, “The plastic problem must be resolved for a sustainable future for humanity and nature and for biodiversity.” He emphasized.
❍ He continued, “Jeju Island, the winner of the UNESCO Triple Crown, is contributing a lot to solving the plastic problem by working with UNESCO on many things.” He continued, “We are the first to show the world that Jeju can achieve zero plastic, and we are promoting the plastic policy that Jeju Island is promoting. “Please show us that we can solve the plastic pollution problem if the whole world works together on policies,” he said.
■ Minister of Environment Han Hwa-jin said in a video congratulatory speech, “In order to achieve carbon neutrality, it is essential to transform into a circular society that expands the circular use of plastic products throughout the entire process from production to disposal,” and added, “The Korean government is committed to Korea’s circular economy efforts.” “We will share this with the international community,” he said.
■ Governor Oh Young-hoon served as a keynote speaker in the main session after the opening ceremony and shared Jeju's efforts and achievements, emphasizing the bold goal of '2040 Plastic Zero Jeju' and participation and action to realize it.
❍ Governor Oh plans to build a virtuous cycle of resources by promoting policies such as △operating a metropolitan resource recovery center △promoting the Jeju resource circulation cluster creation project △compensating for the recovery of recyclable resources △enacting an ordinance to reduce the use of disposable products in Jeju △and promoting a clean Udo campaign without disposable cups. Of course, we also introduced examples of successful outcomes such as attracting private companies and generating profits.
❍ In particular, we proposed to the Ministry of Environment the establishment of the 'Circular Economy Leading City Designation System' and the revision of the 'Circular Economy Society Transition Promotion Act', and we are working on the Jeju environment project in cooperation with the international community, including the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and UNESCO. We shared a joint project to preserve the value of and build a resource circulation ecosystem.
❍ Lastly, “We hope that the Jeju Plus International Environmental Forum will become a focal point for international interest and cooperation,” and “We ask for your interest and cooperation in Jeju’s bold journey to create a plastic-free and circular economy society.” He said.
■ The Jeju Plus International Environmental Forum, jointly hosted by the Ministry of Environment, UNESCO, and Jeju Island, will be held at the Jeju International Convention Center for two days from September 9th to 7th under the main theme of 'Plastic, circular economy, and the path to a carbon-neutral society.'
❍ On the 7th, the first day of the forum, there will be an opening ceremony, followed by a main session, one session, and one special session chaired by Kim Sang-hyeop, chairman of the 2050 Carbon Neutral Green Growth Committee, with panelists including Governor Oh Young-hoon and Ministry of Environment Climate and Carbon Policy Director Lee Chang-heum participating. This is operated.
❍ On the 8th, six sessions will be held on the theme of plastic removal and circular economy.
Source: Jeju Special Self-Governing Province