Zalpi Seeds Sown and Sea Purification Activities Held for Marine Planting Day
1.3 Billion Won Invested with Hyosung Group and Korea Fisheries Resources Agency
Jeonnam Wando County announced on May 23 that it had sown Zalpi (Zostera marina) seeds and carried out sea purification activities in Donggo-ri, Sinji-myeon, on May 22.
This event was held in celebration of Marine Planting Day to raise awareness about the importance of marine ecosystem protection and blue carbon. As in the previous year, it was jointly organized with Hyosung Group and the Southern Headquarters of the Korea Fisheries Resources Agency.
Jeonnam Wando County sowed Zalpi (Zostera marina) seeds in Donggo-ri, Sinji-myeon, and carried out sea purification activities. Photo by Wando County Office
The Donggo-ri sea area, where the event took place, has been the site of the 'Marine Forest Creation Project' since last year, with a total investment of 1.3 billion won planned through 2027. Wando County, Hyosung Group, and the Korea Fisheries Resources Agency are collaborating on this site, which is gaining attention as a model for ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management practices aimed at achieving carbon neutrality and preserving the marine ecosystem.
Residents of Donggo-ri, Sinji-myeon also participated in the event, adding to its significance. After watching a promotional video about the Korea Fisheries Resources Agency's marine forest project, participants directly planted Zalpi seeds in soil-filled seedbeds, sharing a commitment to restoring the marine ecosystem.
Zalpi is a protected marine species and a representative blue carbon plant certified by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). It is known to absorb carbon up to 50 times faster than typical terrestrial plants (green carbon), making it a key resource for achieving carbon neutrality. As of 2024, the area of Zalpi distribution in the region is approximately 10.54 square kilometers, with the largest areas found in Soan-myeon, followed by Nohwa-eup and Geumdang-myeon.
County Governor Shin Woochul stated, "Marine forests of seagrass, including Zalpi, play an important role not only in protecting fisheries resources but also in achieving carbon neutrality," adding, "We will continue to expand the habitat area of Zalpi and strengthen our efforts to protect the marine ecosystem."
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