Lotte Mart and Supermarket Conduct Coastal Underwater Cleanup in Yeosu Waters

As Part of the ESG Campaign "Badaaejinsim"

Lotte Mart and Supermarket announced on July 18 that they will carry out environmental protection activities in Yeosu City, Jeollanam-do for two days starting from July 17, in celebration of Coastal Safety Day.

Yeosu is one of the regions with a high volume of marine waste collection. In particular, with the Yeosu World Island Expo scheduled for 2026, the city’s value and role as a sustainable marine city are drawing attention. Reflecting these local characteristics, Lotte Mart and Supermarket signed a business agreement on "marine waste cleanup activities" with Yeosu City and the Environmental Foundation in April, and have since been promoting a sea cleanup project.

Underwater cleanup work along Jinmok Breakwater in Dolsan, Yeosu City, Jeollanam-do. Provided by Lotte Mart and Supermarket.

This activity is part of the ESG campaign "Badaaejinsim" and marks the final event in a series of three Yeosu Sea Projects. More than 100 people are participating on site, including employees of Lotte Mart and Supermarket, the Yeosu Maritime Police, the Environmental Foundation, the Yeosu Fisheries Cooperative, and Yeosu citizens.

First, around 20 professional scuba divers will conduct underwater waste cleanup along the coast of Jinmok Breakwater in Dolsan, Yeosu City. Scuba divers will dive directly into the sea to collect waste. The focus will be on removing waste such as discarded nets, abandoned fishing gear, and ropes that have sunk below the surface and can cause fishing boat entanglement accidents.

A coastal safety campaign will also be held for citizens and members of the fisheries cooperative. In collaboration with the Yeosu Maritime Police, participants will be educated on how to wear life jackets, beach safety rules, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and how to use AEDs. In addition, 160 inflatable life jackets will be donated to the fisheries cooperative.

Meanwhile, Lotte Mart and Supermarket are presenting the "Badaaejinsim" project to protect the marine ecosystem and ensure a sustainable fisheries environment. Last year, they planted 4,000 eelgrass plants in the waters off Jangjado, Gunsan, and provided biodegradable nets and smart tanks. In addition, they have been planning and operating programs to raise awareness and encourage action, such as marine ecology camps for children and customer-participation donation campaigns.

Kim Hyeyoung, head of the ESG team at Lotte Mart and Supermarket, said, "As a leading retail company providing fresh food to customers, Lotte Mart and Supermarket will continue to fulfill our responsibility to create a sustainable marine environment. We will expand our ESG practices not only for seafood but also for agricultural and livestock products, so that we can have a positive impact across all sectors."