By Oh Young-Hun
Governor of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province

With World Environment Day approaching on June 5, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province from June 4-5 will host a celebratory event for the occasion. This is the first time for Korea to host such an event in 28 years since Seoul in 1997. So this symbolic event will show recognition of Jeju Island as an exemplary model of sustainable environment policy in the international community.

World Environment Day was designated in 1972 to mark the United Nations (U.N.) Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm, Sweden. At the event, the world pledged concerted efforts to protect the environment, adopted the declaration of the conference and launched the U.N. Environment Programme (UNEP). UNEP has since celebrated June 5 as World Environment Day, hosted celebratory events in a rotational format by continent with conferences on related themes.

Jeju is blessed with a nature environment that has UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites. Its precious assets feature diverse natural resources and a pristine marine environment with a rich ecosystem. Last year, the island announced an audacious plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035, 15 years ahead of the Korean government's target of 2050. To this end, we are developing a leading model of carbon neutrality that pursues harmony between nature and development.

The resource circulation policy of the Jeju government is a best practice eyed by UNEP. The island's vision seeks to reduce to zero the impact of plastic waste on its environment by 2040. A "Jeju-style resource circulation system" through a circular economy under development will cover the whole process from plastic production to recycling. This sustainable solution aims to simultaneously protect the environment for the future and economic development for the present. This should also be the way for both Jeju residents and visitors.

To mark World Environment Day this year, the Jeju government will upgrade its environment policy vision and momentum for action for Earth, the basis of human civilization. Themes of this year's event include multilateral cooperation to respond to climate change, setting of a sustainable tourism model and construction of a smart eco-friendly city for all. I hope environmental specialists and people around the globe share Jeju's challenges and results and keep holding discussions on achieving sustainable development.

Now, the island is pursuing the vision "Jeju: where the people and nature are happy." The world is keeping a close eye on Jeju's leading environmental policy toward transforming itself into an international platform for green policy. The event for World Environment Day will be an important milestone on Jeju's journey. Jeju is where the heart of cherishing nature and the will to continue social innovation come together, thus I hope for constructive discourse to be held on our island on a sustainable future that spreads throughout the world.

Gov. Oh assumed his post in July 2022.
Translated by Korea.net staff writer Yoon Sojung