highlighting the theme “From Agreement to Action: Build Back Biodiversity.” ©Ejin Kim/EAAFP

On the day of International Day for Biological Diversity, 22nd May, the Ministry of Environment Korea and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries hosted an event to celebrate 2023 World Wetlands Day, World Migratory Bird Day, and International Day for Biological Diversity with Suncheon City and Korean Environmental Preservation Association (KEPA). The event was held in Suncheon Bay National Garden, Suncheon, Ro Korea, with the theme, ‘From Agreement to Action: Build Back Biodiversity’. During the ceremony, the Presidential Prize, Prime Minister Prize, and the Minister of Environment Prize were given to recognize the contribution of individuals to the environment.

Flyway Network Site Suncheon Bay is one of the key sites for migratory waterbirds, especially acknowledging the wintering ground for Hooded Cranes.  Suncheon Bay is also a Ramsar Site and in 2021 was designated as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

After the opening performance, the ceremony kickstarted with opening and congratulatory speeches by Ms. Han Hwa-jin, the Minister of Environment; Mr. Roh Gwan-gyu, Suncheon Mayor, Mr. Song Myeong-dal, Director of Ocean Policy at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Mr. Park Chang-hwan, Jeollanam-do Deputy Governor for Political Affairs, Mr. Kim Jong-ryul, Deputy of Environment Conservation at the Ministry of Environment, and more. In their speeches, they all emphasized environmental issues, climate change, and the importance of nature conservation.

Ms. Han Hwa-jin, the Minister of Environment delivering the opening speech ©️ EAAFP Secretariat	Song Myeong-dal, Director of Ocean Policy at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries delivering opening speech ©️ EAAFP Secretariat

Then, the ceremony went on with the presentation of 3 categories of prizes by the Minister of Environment to awardees with contributions to the environment. Ms. Vivian Fu, Senior Communication Officer at EAAFP Secretariat, was awarded the Minister of Environment Prize for contributing to World Migratory Bird Day, for her effort in awareness raising for migratory waterbird conservation and promotion of the World Migratory Bird Day in the region.

Group photo of Minister of Environment Prize awardees ©️ EAAFP Secretariat

Vivian Fu, Senior Communication Officer, was awarded the Minister of Environment Prize ©️ EAAFP Secretariat

The event closed with a local student choir from elementary schools performing two songs with dances. In the mid of the performance, they invited the ministers, the Mayor, and the representatives on stage to hold the slogan of the event “From Agreement to Action: Build Back Biodiversity” to remind the importance of taking action for biodiversity.

Students and honorable guests promoting the theme of the event “From Agreement to Action: Build Back Biodiversity” at the closing stage ©️ EAAFP Secretariat