Problems about the environment have recently received attention. As protecting the earth from damage is crucial, we need to be concerned about environmental protection. Let's talk to Ko Ji-hyoun, an environmentalist of Daejeon-Chungnam Green Korea United, and find out what we can do for the environment. -Ed.


1. Why do you have an interest in the environment, and why do you participate in this movement?

  I majored in Biology in college, and I took an ecology class. This class required students to write a paper, so I investigated local environmental organizations. I learned about Daejeon-Chungnam Green Korea United. After graduation, although I hadn’t decided to dedicate myself to the ecological campaign, I wanted to choose an occupation where I could get personal development and help the local community. Coincidentally, I saw a job opening for this organization and applied.

2. Please introduce Green Korea United.

  Green Korea United is an environmental organization operated by volunteers. A national Green Korea United committee is held about once a month, but activity is independent in each local and metropolitan area.
  In Daejeon and Chungnam, Green Korea United is working on demolishing three dammed reservoirs produced by the Four Major Rivers Project, protecting wild animal habitats and greenbelts, and proposing a bill for decreasing the volume of fine dust in Daejeon. In the Chungnam area, it is also working at removing roadkill, protecting the environment against the construction of golf courses, and investigating the damage from thermoelectric power plants and transmission towers.

3. While protecting the environment, what memories have remained the strongest?

  First, our organization formerly provided much environmental education, and the children who were educated often participate in activities for protecting the environment. Their actions impress me a lot.
  Moreover, I remember investigating narrow-mouthed toads when I worked for the Department of Green Society. The narrow-mouthed toad is an important species because it is one of the indicator species that can reveal polluted surroundings and climatic changes. In 2011, we heard an expert opinion that many of them were inhabiting Daejeon, so we started monitoring narrow-mouthed toads and found a narrow-mouthed toad colony. However, this colony was located in a development area of the Four Major Rivers Project. Therefore, we fought the Daejeon's Department of Eco-River Division to protect the narrow-mouthed toad. To prove it was their habitat, we went to the river with public officials from the Eco-River Division. Since it was easy to spot the narrow-mouthed toad during the rainy season, we went there every rainy day and night. I'm impressed with the experience that we were able to designate the habitat as ‘protected’ and obtained a commitment from city hall to stop the work.

4. What do you consider to be the most vital work these days?

  My work in the Department of the Citizen Participation is focused on informing people about the importance of environmental protection and participation, so I mainly think about how to effectively spread the word.
  We have also conducted a campaign against the waste problem before. Now, I'm thinking about switching from spontaneous activities to policy because volunteering has limits. If federal and local authorities make policies, it will help the environment.
  In addition, two years ago, the government planted rapeseed for landscaping. However, this plant was revealed to be an imported living genetically modified organism (LMO) from China. An LMO is a genetically modified organism (GMO), and GMO organisms aren't always safe. Notably, unlike other GMOs whose propagation is impossible, the LMO rapeseed has a risk of propagating worldwide. Also, it is dangerous that we don't know how harmful it is to the human body. It might crossbreed with napa cabbage or shepherd's purse because all of them are from the same family of cruciferous vegetables. Accordingly, I paid close attention and worked hard on the rapeseed issue.

5. You are acting as the main activist of the Department of Citizen Participation. What kind of activities do you have for the citizens to participate in?

  We are implementing the ‘Power-saving Station Campaign’. The purpose of the ‘Power-saving Station Campaign’ is for each person to save electricity. We regard the electricity that we save as equal to what power plants produce, and the electricity we save can be used by others. This campaign was implemented to increase self-reliance and to avoid the bad effects on the environment from nuclear energy. Ultimately, the campaign wants to remove nuclear power plants. Also, the Daejeon-Chungnam Green Korea United implemented the ‘Air Pollution Monitoring Campaign’. This campaign was implemented by citizens. Although there are some electronic displays which show the degree of air pollution, air pollution measurement networks are located on tall buildings or places far from cities. Therefore, the campaign was started to measure the degree of air pollution more accurately. We also ceased the apartment development of Wolpyeong Park in Daejeon because the park acts as a lung in Daejeon. We defended the park because forests in cities decrease fine dust. The apartment development work was eventually stopped, and we will help protect and grow more forests in cities.

6. How can we attract voluntary participation from students so that they will take an interest in and preserve the environment?

  By watching a lot of news on the internet and reading regional newspapers, students can learn what kind of environmental problems are happening. Becoming a member of an environment preservation organization and volunteering with them can give them motivation to preserve the environment. Also, if students are interested in the trash problems, it will be beneficial for the environment. Many students use disposable products because they usually eat delivered foods. Furthermore, they drink much coffee from disposable cups. Just using a tumbler and not using a plastic straw can help to preserve the environment. Moreover, I know that universities have created green campuses with the help of the Ministry of Environment. It would be good to participate in a power-saving movement like turning off the lights in classrooms when not in use.

7. Do you have any advice for CBNU students?

  These days, many problems are related to the environment. Therefore, it is essential to learn about the environment and to try to start acting environmentally friendly in school. The first step is taking an interest in the problems of our surroundings. Students tend to neglect the environment because they have to prepare for their own futures. Being eco-friendly can be confusing with so much conflicting information. However, if students show an interest in the environment and do volunteer work, these activities will be helpful to prepare for the future. In Cheongju, there are many environmental organizations. How about joining one of them?

By Lee So-yoon l sy39@cbnu.ac.kr
By Bang  Ui-hwan l janas@cbnu.ac.kr