'Eunhaeng Jeochuk Project' SBI Savings Bank Conducts Third Transplantation of Cancer Ginkgo Tree

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyojin] SBI Savings Bank announced on the 25th that it will carry out the third female Ginkgo tree transplantation project as part of its social contribution campaign 'Bank Savings Project,' aimed at promoting respect for life and coexistence between humans and nature.

This project is a unique social contribution campaign that started from the idea that 'a bank (銀行) saves a ginkgo tree (銀杏).' It involves transplanting female ginkgo trees, which are often cut down in autumn due to the foul odor of their fruit, to other locations to save and preserve the ginkgo trees.

This female ginkgo tree transplantation project began in 2018 and is now in its third year, taking place mainly in the Songpa-gu area of Seoul, where ginkgo trees are most commonly planted as street trees.

In particular, this Bank Savings Project was conducted in a citizen participation format to widely promote the campaign's purpose and build public consensus.

Through the official Facebook account of SBI Savings Bank, messages of support for the Bank Savings Project were collected, and 500 citizens were selected as participants for this transplantation project.

Participants received badges symbolizing the campaign, and name tags with their individual names were made and hung on the transplanted female ginkgo trees at their new locations.

Ginkgo trees have been widely planted as street trees in many cities due to their strong constitution and ability to reduce fine dust. However, during the fruiting season, complaints arise due to the foul odor, leading to the cutting down of female ginkgo trees and replacement with male ginkgo trees. Despite their common presence, ginkgo trees are actually designated as an endangered species and require protection.

Female ginkgo trees planted as street trees in urban areas were safely dug up and transplanted to roadside areas with heavy traffic and near the Hangang Park. Male ginkgo trees, which do not bear fruit, were planted in the spots previously occupied by the female trees.

The transplanted female ginkgo trees not only purify exhaust fumes from the roads but also provide visitors to Hangang Park with opportunities to enjoy natural scenery.

An SBI Savings Bank official stated, “This project started from the unique idea that a bank saves a ginkgo tree, and through the campaign, we are raising awareness of its purpose and importance. We will continue to conduct various campaigns that communicate with the public and build consensus.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.