Earth Walk for Climate Refugee

Earth Walk finally opened their first long-awaited forum—the global walking campaign that deals with environmental problems from all around the world.
“2013 Earth Walk Global Forum” is a global walking project to help environmental refugees from all around the world.
Welcome to the “2013 Earth Walk Global Forum”!

Many environment experts came and graced the 2013 Earth Walk Global Forum with their presence.
We are honored to introduce them here one by one.

To begin, here is Republic of Korea of UNHCR (the UN Refugee Agency)’s representative, Dirk Hebecker!
He gave a speech about a little unfamiliar topic that many had not heard about—refugees. Despite his busy schedules, through his attendance we could hear more detailed explanations related to the topic.

The Vice-Minister of Environment in Indonesia, Ilyas Asaad also came. 
He has shown a great passion toward this forum that he actually came right after landing in Korea.

He shared a presentation about the environmental policies in Indonesia as well as developing partnerships together to seek a way to help environmental refugees henceforth and also about the vision for continuous development of environment.

We are looking forward to the upcoming global walking project, Earth Walk, which will be progressed with Indonesia hereafter.

The Chair of Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly, Kim Kyung-ho had also attended to this forum.

Besides, the vice-president of Gachon University, No Yon-hong attended to this forum to give congratulations.

We can also see that Riory, the representative of “Greeners” magazine in Indonesia had attended too.

This forum was held with a purpose to seek a future development direction after hearing topic presentations from each of the governments, NGO, and various corporations, and to share the global visions to sustain the development of the environment.
Moreover, to support 2013 Earth Walk’s objectives—the environmental refugees, various plans have come up to firstly inform about the present conditions of environmental refugees (approximately 42 million people worldwide in 2010) and then to establish global partnerships for support coordination.

With a wonderful vision to solve global environmental issues,
Earth Walk could make its first step towards supporting the ‘environmental refugees’ this year.

Even though the environmental issues cannot be resolved so easily,
2013 EARTH WALK GLOBAL FORUM has a meaning in arranging such an occasion with various government agencies, international organizations, NGO, corporations, the press, and the rest with environment experts from various branches to establish a network.

Before we begin the forum,
Let us first introduce our host, Professor Kim Ock-hyun.
He is a professor at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, and a consultant of Gyeonggi-do Association for Green Campus initiative, as well as the director of Daejayon.

Other presenters from foreign countries such as Indonesia and Bangladesh also attended to this forum today.

Another table includes the president of Daejayon with Dr. Cho Gil-young, secretary general of KNAEF [Korean National Assembly of Environment Forum], and other presenters from the South Pacific and Cambodia.

Next, the president of Daejayon's opening speech was progressed.

The president said “2013 Earth Walk Global Forum” has much significance as the global walking project to help the climate refugees of the world. I hope to achieve Earth Walk, which is a great footstep to help the climate refugee beyond nation, race, and culture, so that it can play an important role in making the earth greener.”
Also, “a foot has 26 bones, 33 joints, 56 ligaments, and 64 muscles. It is only 2 percent of a body but stands the weight of the rest of 98 percent. On every step, a foot endures 50 to 100kg [110 to 220lb], which becomes in total 1000t [2,205,000lb] a day. I am sure that if we all together walk with cheerful footsteps, it will become hope for the clime refugee, and the earth will become greener. When we are born, we leave our footprints. We call the list of them a resume. If we have left our footprints only for our future so far, let’s leave glorious footprints for the future of mankind from now on.”

So far, the matter about the environmental refugees hasn’t been a big issue in the world including Korea though the problem is serious and urgent. I hope this forum can inform the world about the present state of climate refugees so that we can create partnership for international aid.

Subsequently, the forum was followed by the Vice-Minister of Environment in Indonesia, Ilyas Asaad’s congratulatory message.
“It is my honor to be here at 2013 Earth Walk Global Forum, at the start of Earth Walk in such a wonderful place, with a brilliant goal,” said Asaad.

The last congratulatory message was given by the Chair of Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly, Kim Kyung-ho.

We give thanks to all of the presenters and attendants who graced the forum with their presence to a successful opening for 2013 Earth Walk.

Dirk Hebecker from UNHCR (the UN Refugee Agency) delivered the keynote address with the topic choice of “Challenges of Climate Change Induced Displacement”.
“An international aid must be fulfilled in order to solve problems of environmental refugees caused by climate disasters”, said the representative, "At the beginning of 2013, there were 14.9 million refugees out of 30 million that were just caused by natural disasters, and this number cannot be ignored. Cooperation from international societies is in very need in order to solve these problems caused by climate change and natural disasters."

And “For years there has been a strong consensus that global warming provoked by greenhouse gas emissions have begun to trigger an increase in the frequency and severity of sudden-onset disasters, such as hurricanes, cyclones and flooding, as well as of slow-onset events, such as drought leading to desertification or sea-level rises owing to a combination of factors. The consequences of greater variability of climatic factors are affecting the livelihoods and safety of the most vulnerable members of communities, including refugees and displaced persons, who are today huddling in climate change hot spots around the world.”

At the end, after the representative Dirk Hebecker’s keynote address was successfully delivered to the forum, the first part of the opening ceremony finished with a commemorative photographing time.

For the Green Earth!

Finally the second part of the forum has come!
Part two was composed of various presentations.
Session1 of part two progressed forward with the presentations from various international organizations, Session2 by governments, and Session3 by the representatives from each corporations and the press, introducing themselves and their environmental policies, and talking about the climate change and environmental refugees.
Also, another presentation to introduce the actual theme of the forum, Earth Walk was prepared.

The first presenter in Session1 was IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Regional Director of Constituency Development Dr. Zakir Hussain and he talked about the effects of climate change and the environmental refugees in South Asia.

“South Asia is the place that has the highest population density with ranging GDP from $621 to $5,973, composed of various economical and social conditions,” said Dr. Hussain, “Also, with 6 million people where the greater part consists of the poorest people, South Asia contains the most vulnerable countries to the four great climate changes. With only a meter increase in the sea level can sink a bulk of Maldives. All the other countries are facing the same vulnerability to climate changes too.”
In addition, Dr. Hussain further explained the main issues related to climates which included flood, cyclones, increase in sea level, change in the temperature, thawing of the Arctic, change in the precipitation pattern, etc.
Next, he carried on to explain the climate changes in South Asia. He mentioned that between the years of 1985 and 1998, 1 degree Celsius and 0.5 degree Celsius increases in the temperature has occurred during May and November respectively. Also during the years of 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2008, numerous floods have occurred in Bangladesh, Nepal, and northeastern Indonesia caused by the localized torrential downpours and recurring floods.
“On the other hand, more than 50% droughts are related to El Nino which caused many lives and properties a significant damage and harms in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea along with few cyclones,” said Dr. Hussain. Consequently, introductory speeches about disasters caused by climate changes in each country in South Asia, and its regional coping methods and countermeasures at national level and at international level were presented.
Especially, international laws to be built for the climate refugees and the cooperation and aid for the resettlement of the environmental refugees as the countermeasures at the international level were mentioned. Cooperation in this context specifically means exchanging research results and information on international/regional environmental refugees and assistance.
To actually help the environmental refugees, cooperation can be considered the most important factor of all the other methods to really give aid.

Then, SPREP (Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme) Ewan Cameron continued on the session with a topic choice of “Emerging Challenges of Climate Change”.
Many countries that are in danger of being submerged are placed mostly at the South Pacific, which includes Micronesia, Kiribati, Fiji, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Palau, Tonga, and so on with other typical examples.
Ewan firstly introduced some ways and regulations to adapt to the environment in the Pacific area. “With an ongoing project for climate change adaptations that first began in 2009, we have five operating plans for shorelines, four food security problems, and five water resources regulating systems”, said Cameron.
Next, since Ewan also works in Nansen Initiative launched by Swiss Government which began from October 2012, he also introduced various NI activities that could help the environmental refugees which will be regulated under the government’s control.
Daejayon is also in the process of seeking various cooperation methods with NI for climate changes and environmental refugees.

Secretary general of Daejayon continued with Earth Walk presentation next.
Everyone, what does ‘walk’ mean?
‘Walk’ is the most basic movement that anyone who is willing can put into action without any financial investments or special equipments.
Also it is one of the human privileges.

Earth Walk has a meaning to erase the carbon footprints and make new Earth Walk footprints to solve worldwide environmental problems.
Earth Walk will not only advance into the Pacific area, but also will progress globally into all other parts of the world!
Dealing with different subjects every year; however
Ultimately trying to solve the worldwide environmental problems,
Earth Walk
Leaving footprints for humanity and Earth can be considered as the meaning of Earth Walk, just like what the president Kim Yong-gap said at the opening ceremony.
We all hope that Global Walking Project Earth Walk will be actively progressed with today’s forum as the momentum!

Followed by Earth Walk presentation, Ilyas Asaad, vice-minister of environment in Indonesia gave a presentation about environmental refugees.
“Climate change,” said Asaad, “has occurred directly and indirectly by human activities and caused a significant change in the composition of the atmosphere and natural climate variability. Also the effects of climate change can certainly be observed through comparing.”

Moreover, Asaad explained a scenario of reducing 41% of greenhouse gases by 2020 through national solutions.
Also he mentioned that the core of the climate change is in adaptation and relaxation.
He furthermore stated that an aid that actually fits to the refugees’ reality and their necessities is the core for this presentation.
As expected, it is the ‘cooperation’ that everyone puts emphasis on.
Your participation plays a very important role in solving ‘environmental refugees’ and ‘environmental problems’.

Next, is “Climate Change and Natural Disasters:  A Glimpse of Philippine Experience”, by Ric. Enriquez, official from Ministry of Environment, Philippine.

“Geographic context has made Philippine vulnerable to climate changes and this caused numerous environmental disasters,” explained Ric. Enriquez.
Philippine, a country where average 20 typhoons occur every year!
Besides, flood, drought, earthquake, volcanic eruption, etc. occur frequently.
Philippine applies third place between countries that are vulnerable to natural dangers.
These natural dangers and disasters are certainly connected to the underproduction of food and it is posing a threat to food security.
Particularly, through the occurrence of super typhoon Haiyan on November 2013, it has served as a momentum to all the nations about the dangers that the nature can bring.
“Through this occurrence, I hope that more people will become interested in environmental refugees and that the whole world will prepare measures to cope with the climate change,” said Ric.
Moreover he announced that “the whole world should establish activities and legal systems that can efficiently fulfill the steps.”

Here is the last presenter of Session2, official from Ministry of Environment Cambodia, Chhun. Vannak.

Vannak presented about “Sustainable Environmental Management in Cambodia”.
Green growth and sustainability in development and a roadmap for Cambodia’s green growth were also explained.
Moreover, contents of energy efficiency and development of regional environment were introduced inside the presentation.

Finally it’s Session3!
Session3 is composed of Media/NGO’s presentations.
First presentation was given by VD International CEO, Lee Hyo-bum.

CEO from VDI—film/entertainment/food enterprise—declared that he would do their best to help the environmental refugees with Earth Walk.
And he said he would establish a network that help Earth Walk and actively support the environmental refugees. And through this opportunity, he would be progressing through more global activities.
More anticipation is expected for Earth Walk to progress globally.

Many of the attendants showed their smiles when a familiar subject (movie and media) was brought up.

The next presentation was also very interesting!
It was because the presentation was prepared by the living legend of environmental documentaries, KBS1 Panorama PD Shin Dong-man!

With a topic of “What is happening to the wildlife in Korea?” the aspect of Korea’s climate change and the change in ecosystem which is related with our lives were wonderfully progressed.
Especially, an easier understanding and emotions could be felt with a video that was actually filmed directly.

The last presentation in Session3 was given by Indonesia GREENERS CEO Syaiful Rochman.
By using power point presentation that deals with Indonesia’s climate changes, were explained plans to reduce the carbon dioxide emission, current state of Indonesia’s climate change, and the following disasters. Also, many activities such as ‘Eco Visit to School’, ‘Zero Waste Events’, ‘Plant trees with students’, and ‘Teacher’s Green Day’ were introduced.

It was a precious time of listening to the efforts for the nature from all levels of society,
and of conveying messages to the attendants about the nature’s preciousness,
It was all possible because of 2013 Earth Walk Global Forum.

Afterwards, a panel discussion was held.
It was held with a theme of “Grouping the international societies’ roles for the environmental refugees” for an hour.

Dr. Cho Gil-young, secretary general of KNAEF took on the middle of the table.

The panel was comprised of official of Environment Korea, Seo Heung-won,
Vice Minister of Environment Indonesia Ilyas Asaad,
IUCN Mohammad Zakir Hussain,
Official from Ministry of Environment Cambodia, Chun Vannak,

Official from Ministry of Environment Philippines, Ric. Enriquez,
SPREP, Climate Change Support Secondment, Ewan Cameron,
KBS1 Panorama PD Shin Dong-man.

From the view of governments, corporate, international organizations, NGO, and the press,
This panel discussion holds a profound meaning in seeking each role for the environmental refugees.

Because each person’s role hierarchies are different,
If they share what they think in their positions to help the environmental refugees,
Naturally a method will come up that each organization can cooperate together.

Environmental problems cannot be solved solely by the government,
Therefore each local community, each international society will have to cooperate together.
For that reason, forming each of their roles and networks, partnerships together will have to be the preceding conditions in solving such environmental problems.

Ric. from Philippines emphasized that unless the individuals and the regional societies acknowledge that their behaviors can actually adjust the climate changes, nothing will be able to efficiently progress through; however by working together, we can make a difference.
Moreover he mentioned about assistance, funds, and support in programs from humanitarian international/regional societies.

Chun Vannak from Cambodia mentioned the importance of green growth, and that by using national regulation and laws, and strengthening the programs, we have to reach green growth.
He also emphasized the need to enact laws and regulations for green growth.

Zakir, on the other hand, claimed that environmental refugees are an international issue, and this fact should be accurately and indisputably acknowledged by people.

It seems like the awareness to environmental refugees is insufficient for most people.

A question period was also held.

With today’s event as a foundation, we hope to see continuous activities with an interest in the environmental refugees and environmental problems.

“Writing to Environmental Refugees” campaign was held at the outside of the forum.

The environmental refugees gain a big hope
When we remember them,
And when we put our efforts to help them.
Your fulfillment to even little efforts and the hope for making a change
Brings smiles to the environmental refugees!

And don’t forget that you footprints with Earth Walk will become the first attempt to support the environmental refugees!

From today, Earth Walk will be progressing through extensive activities.

Let's Earth Walk!

Earth Walk, our footprints to solve the worldwide environmental issues!

Are you ready to set foot together?
Let us finalize altogether!

Let's Earth Walk!

Earth Walk, our footprints to solve the worldwide environmental issues!