Cheongsong-gun took action to protect Cheongsong UNESCO Global Geopark. Cheongsong-gun (Governor Kyung-hee Yoon) announced that on the 18th, geopark interpreters held a plogging event in the area of Juwangsan National Park.
This event was planned to provide a pleasant visiting environment for tourists and local residents visiting Cheongsong under the slogan, ‘Cheongsong UNESCO Global Geopark, we will protect it.’ In particular, it is significant in that geopark interpreters themselves came up with and implemented the idea, and since February of this year, it has been consistently implemented once a month in connection with field trips and inspection activities at geological attractions.
At the event, a disposable product reduction campaign was also held to encourage the use of tumblers in line with the operating purpose of Cheongsong Geopark, which is ‘local extinction and response to climate change’. It also contains the intention to encourage voluntary participation of local residents through regular plogging events and to create an image of Cheongsong UNESCO Global Geopark that matches the city brand of ‘Oxygen Cafe Cheongsong-gun’.
Cheongsong-gun Mayor Gyeong-hee Yoon said, “We are grateful to the commentators who created an opportunity for local residents to become more interested in environmental protection and Cheongsong Geopark through continuous plogging events,” and added, “We will continue to conduct various activities to protect the environment and revitalize the Cheongsong Geopark.” “We will actively support the activities,” he said.
Meanwhile, Cheongsong-gun Youth Training Center continued its performance of winning 4 awards this year, following last year, at the ‘2024 Gyeongsangbuk-do Youth Volunteer Competition’ held at the Andong Grand Hotel on the 15th.
This competition was held to provide an opportunity to reward outstanding youth, clubs, and leaders in Gyeongsangbuk-do and to promote youth volunteer activities.
In the club category, Youth Training Center clubs ’Bboom Bboom’ and ‘Happy Volunteer Club’ won the Excellence Award (Gyeongsangbuk-do Governor’s Award) and Encouragement Award (Gyeongbuk Happiness Foundation CEO Award), respectively, and in the individual category, Choi Soo-jong (Jinbo Middle School) from the Youth Training Center won the Grand Prize (Gyeongsangbuk-do Province). Superintendent of Education Award), and Youngjun Yoon (Cheongsong Middle School) won the Excellence Award (Gyeongsangbuk-do Council Chairman’s Award).
The ‘Bboom Bboom’ club serves as a cultural link between generations by performing and volunteering at local events through dance, and the ‘Happy Volunteer Club’ is led by local youth and holds regular meetings to protect the environment and the local community. We plan and operate various volunteer activities for social development and are creating a volunteer culture led by youth.
Cheongsong-gun Mayor Kyeong-hee Yoon said, “I sincerely congratulate the youth of Cheongsong-gun on achieving four awards at the Gyeongsangbuk-do Youth Volunteer Competition this year as well as last year.” He added, “We hope that youth will continue to contribute to the community and grow through various activities.” “We will do our best to provide opportunities,” he said.
Economy Queen Reporter Hana Choi Photo: Cheongsong-gun
.
What are the key benefits of organizing community engagement events like plogging in geoparks?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Geopark Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, everyone! Today, we’re diving into the impactful initiatives surrounding the Cheongsong UNESCO Global Geopark. I’m thrilled to be joined by Dr. Hana Yi, a leading expert in sustainability and environmental conservation. Dr. Yi, thank you for being with us today!
Dr. Hana Yi (HY): Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss the vital efforts being made at Cheongsong.
TNE: Cheongsong-gun recently held a plogging event to promote environmental protection. Can you share your thoughts on the significance of such initiatives?
HY: Absolutely! Plogging—a combination of jogging and picking up litter—is a fantastic way to engage communities in environmental stewardship. It not only helps to clean up the area but also raises awareness about the importance of keeping local ecosystems intact. Plus, involving locals and tourists under the slogan ’We will protect it’ fosters a sense of ownership and collective responsibility towards the Cheongsong UNESCO Global Geopark.
TNE: It really does promote community involvement! You mentioned the aspect of awareness—how do these monthly events influence local attitudes toward environmental conservation?
HY: Consistency is key. By holding such events regularly, the local population begins to recognize environmental issues as integral to their daily lives. The involvement of geopark interpreters in organizing these events adds authenticity and expertise, further enhancing community engagement. Over time, as residents see direct positive impacts, their attitudes and behaviors toward conservation can shift significantly.
TNE: I noticed that a campaign to reduce disposable products was part of the plogging initiative. How do you view the relationship between geoparks and climate change?
HY: The relationship is profound. Geoparks, like Cheongsong, are tasked not just with preserving geological heritage but also addressing climate change. By advocating for reduced single-use plastics and promoting reusable items like tumblers, Cheongsong is setting an example of how local actions can contribute to global efforts to combat climate change. It’s a strategic approach that aligns with the geopark’s broader goals of sustainability.
TNE: Mayor Kyung-hee Yoon mentioned gratitude towards the commentators for their role in raising awareness. How critical are local leaders in these initiatives?
HY: Local leaders are instrumental. They can mobilize resources, forge partnerships, and inspire action. Their support amplifies the message, not just within the community but also to visitors. With strong leadership, initiatives like the plogging event can not only thrive but also attract similar undertakings from other regions, thus spreading the movement of environmental consciousness.
TNE: Indeed, leadership is crucial. what advice would you give to other regions or geoparks looking to implement similar initiatives?
HY: My advice would be to foster community participation right from the planning stages. Engage local residents in dialog about their concerns and interests related to the environment. Also, consistency matters—making these events regular provides the grounding needed for sustained impact. Lastly, incorporate educational elements into these activities to empower participants with knowledge and skills for ongoing environmental advocacy.
TNE: Wonderful insights, Dr. Yi. Thank you for shedding light on the important work happening at Cheongsong and the broader implications for environmental stewardship. We look forward to seeing how these initiatives will continue to develop.
HY: Thank you! It was a pleasure discussing these crucial topics with you.
TNE: And to our readers, stay tuned for more stories about sustainability efforts around the globe. Together, we can make a difference!