• Farewell to Eugene Kim, Communication Assistant

    In the words of Eugene Kim, “As a Global Affairs major, I always desired to work in an international organization where I can learn how people work together to protect the wetlands and the migratory birds, in the concept of SDGs.  When I took Environment 201 and 337 classes, I found out that we, humans are the only existences who can help the environment to recover. All existences including humans, living things, and non-living things are interconnected to each other. Therefore, I thought the term ‘Sustainable Development’ is the most important goal for us. Since EAAFP is an international organization that works for migratory birds and sustainable management, I want to be involved in the process where EAAFP plays a positive role in the world. As a Communication Assistant, my main tasks were dealing with the main homepage by creating new pages and uploading the materials including MOP 11 resources and articles. I also kept track of the media archive on how EAAFP and migratory birds are reported in the media around the world. Furthermore, I communicated with external organizations and companies to organize an event or order posters and banners we need for new events we are holding. As a Global Affairs major, I always desired to work in an international organization where I can learn how people work together to protect the wetlands and the migratory birds, in the concept of SDGs. For my whole life, I dreamed to be a person who can work for the coexistence of people and the environment. To achieve this goal, I wanted to give hands to people who are not protected with their human rights for sexual, economic, and social reasons. After handling the issue of humans, I wanted to save the environment, including living things and non-living things that are getting extinct. What I have learned through the EAAFP internship was the importance of challenging new tasks, without any hesitation. Since I have been studying as a Global Affairs student, I have never done computing work before. Therefore, it was my first-time creating webpages, uploading materials using coding, and managing our EAAFP website by myself. At first, I was so afraid that I make a mistake, and I doubted if I can do this by myself.  However, surprisingly, I am dealing with website management very well right now and became an expert in this area. The biggest events I handled were the 3rd Incheon-Hong Kong International East Asian-Australasian Black-faced Spoonbill Conservation Cooperation Forum, MOP 11, and World Migratory Bird Day Small Grant Fund 2023.   3rd Incheon-Hong Kong International East Asian-Australasian Black-faced Spoonbill Conservation Cooperation Forum © EAAFP Secretariat The first event I participated in was the 3rd Incheon-Hong Kong International East Asian-Australasian Black-faced Spoonbill Conservation Cooperation Forum, which was the first business trip in my life. During the forum, I had to take pictures of participants with cameras, oversee audio during meetings, monitor computers, and interpret participants’ communication. It was a difficult but meaningful time to share ideas about spoonbills protection and wetland conservation with the Ministry of Environment of Incheon, the Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education, the Incheon Green Union, the WWF, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Agricultural and Fishery Conservation Department, and various government officials. I learned how many people are putting their effort to protect the wetlands and the migratory birds, which are correlated to our lives as well. Red-crowned Crane © Eugene Kim Secondly, in preparation for MOP 11, I had to deal with creating web pages, and uploading all the materials as requested by the EAAFP secretariat. Since the way I create the webpage directly impacts people’s views on MOP 11 and EAAFP Secretariat, I felt a big pressure and responsibility. Thanks to all effort, MOP 11 ended successfully, resulting in great decisions as well. Thirdly, I handled the World Migratory Bird Day Small Grant Fund for 2023. It was my first time dealing with official contracts, being in the middle of the Secretariat and applicants. The way EAAFP Secretariat gives financial opportunities to the applicants to teach students how much it is important to save migratory birds and wetlands was very impressive. Visit to Ganghwa Spoonbill Cafe © EAAFP Secretariat During my internship period, I am so glad that I learned a lot and experience in various fields. I was able to learn about myself as well, testing my abilities and courage in learning new tasks. It was an honor for me to work with great interns as fellows and staff, who are very professional in the working area with their own experts. It also enabled me to enhance my English skill as well.  I will never forget this precious moment working with EAAFP Secretariat I had in my life, and my life journey will continue to move on to the next step of my career.”


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