June Environment Month Ecosystem Conservation Forum Held
SK Hynix announced on the 1st that it held the 'Next Shift Biodiversity Forum' at Walkerhill Arcadia in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul on the 27th of last month.
On the 27th of last month, attendees of the 'Next Shift Biodiversity Forum' held at Walkerhill Arcadia in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, are taking a commemorative photo. From the left: Kim Yong-sung, Head of Environment and Energy Team at SK Hynix; Lee Jae-ho, Researcher at the National Institute of Biological Resources, Ministry of Environment; Kim Chang-bae, Professor of Biotechnology at Sangmyung University; Lee Jong-ho, Director at Microsoft; Choi Jun-ho, Director of the Forest and Sharing Foundation. [Photo by SK Hynix]
Attendees from SK Hynix and public, private, and academic sectors discussed ways to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) technology for biodiversity conservation.
SK Hynix stated that the forum was held to promote macro-level cooperation for ecosystem preservation in celebration of June as Environment Month. The company plans to contribute to ecosystem monitoring and related research activation by integrating AI technology with big data on over 60,000 species inhabiting Korea.
Natural capital risks, including biodiversity, are recognized as important elements of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management following climate change. The Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), a global collaborative body on natural capital, has recommended that companies assess and disclose the impacts and dependencies of their business activities on natural capital.
In 2021, SK Hynix signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Microsoft and the Forest and Sharing Foundation for the 'Anseongcheon Species Diversity Research and Digital Green Talent Development Project' and is conducting the 'Yongin Semiconductor Cluster Biodiversity Project.' The project operates citizen science programs targeting local elementary, middle, and high schools and communities near the Yongin semiconductor cluster, collecting biological data.
About 40 people attended the forum, including representatives from SK Hynix, Microsoft, the Forest and Sharing Foundation, Lee Jae-ho, a researcher at the National Institute of Biological Resources under the Ministry of Environment, Kim Chang-bae, a professor of Biotechnology at Sangmyung University, and citizen scientists. The event was divided into presentation lectures and discussion sessions. Five speakers representing their respective organizations participated as presenters.
In the lecture session, researcher Lee Jae-ho presented the national biodiversity strategy and recommendations for companies. Kim Yong-sung, head of SK Hynix’s Environment and Energy Team, and Choi Jun-ho, director of the Forest and Sharing Foundation, introduced efforts by companies and civic groups for biodiversity.
Professor Kim Chang-bae lectured on ways to utilize AI technology and talent for biodiversity conservation. Director Lee Jong-ho presented on how AI technology is being applied to sustainability.
During the discussion session, topics included ▲collecting ecosystem observation information and systematizing databases ▲the capabilities needed for citizen scientists to utilize AI technology ▲AI technology-linked projects applicable to national biodiversity conservation activities.
Researcher Lee Jae-ho said, "The introduction of AI technology is expected to open new paths for biodiversity monitoring activities and nature conservation." Professor Kim Chang-bae added, "I hope that starting with this forum, AI technology will maximize the efficiency of biodiversity research and provide a new turning point for ecosystem preservation."
Cho Sung-bong, Vice President in charge of ESG Promotion at SK Hynix, stated, "We will lead ESG management by applying AI technology to biodiversity conservation and collaborating with various stakeholders."
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