Gyeonggi-do Holds 'Carbon Zero Tree Planting' Event to Commemorate Arbor Day... Creating a Forest of Hope

Creating a Forest of Hope with 1,144 Trees of Seven Species, Including Cornelian Cherry
Promoting Carbon Neutrality Through Tree Planting
Commemorative Planting Begins with the “Crape Myrtle,” Blooming for 100 Days

Gyeonggi Province, in celebration of the 80th Arbor Day, jointly held a ‘Tree Planting Event to Commemorate Arbor Day and the Launch of Hwaseong Special City’ on the 27th at Hwaseong Jeongjo Hyo Park.

Gyeonggi Province, in celebration of the 80th Arbor Day, held a 'Tree Planting Event Commemorating Arbor Day and the Launch of Hwaseong Special City' on the 27th at Hwaseong Jeongjo Hyo Park in collaboration with Hwaseong City, followed by a commemorative photo. Provided by Gyeonggi Province

For the commemorative tree species, the Crape Myrtle (Mokbaegilhong), known for its red flowers that bloom for 100 days in July, was selected to add symbolic meaning to the planting. In particular, during the planting process, soil from the 29 eup, myeon, and dong districts of Hwaseong Special City was used to cover the trees, and water from Paldal Mountain in Suwon was sprinkled, reflecting the significance of the local area.

After the commemorative planting, about 300 participants moved to the tree planting site and planted a total of 1,144 trees, including Crape Myrtles, putting the meaning of Arbor Day into practice. After the tree planting event, a ‘Companion Tree Adoption Campaign’ was conducted, distributing 1,400 trees such as blueberries to participants and residents. This aimed to raise awareness of the importance of tree planting and encourage continued carbon neutrality practices in daily life. A spring wildfire prevention campaign was also held concurrently.

Notably, during the event, a resident representative read an environmental declaration urging the planting of trees and protection of nature for a clean environment, marking a moment of commitment to sustainable environmental protection and carbon neutrality practices jointly undertaken by Gyeonggi Province and Hwaseong City.

This tree planting event was organized not just as a simple planting activity but to widely promote the value of forests and the importance of carbon sinks. Especially, the event was certified as carbon neutral by purchasing forest carbon absorption equivalent to the amount of carbon dioxide (3 tons) emitted during the tree planting event from the ‘Forest Carbon Center.’ The 3 tons of carbon is equivalent to the amount absorbed in one year by a 10-year-old pine forest in the central region, roughly the size of a soccer field.

Cha Seong-su, Director of the Climate Environment and Energy Bureau of Gyeonggi Province, said, “It was meaningful to practice carbon neutrality by planting trees with residents in celebration of Arbor Day and the launch of Hwaseong Special City. This event was significant as a ‘carbon-neutral’ practice event that offset greenhouse gas emissions generated during the event by utilizing forest carbon absorption.” He added, “Gyeonggi Province will continue to take the lead in responding to the climate crisis through ongoing forest restoration and green space expansion.”