Gyeongnam Province, Sea Day Celebrated with 'Banryeohaebyeon'

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Saeyan] Gyeongsangnam-do and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries signed a 'Companion Beach' agreement in Geoje on the 4th and began efforts to preserve the marine environment.

'Companion Beach' is a system reinterpreted domestically based on the beach adoption program developed in Texas, USA, in 1896.

It means that companies or private organizations cherish and take care of a specific beach like their own companion pet.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries is promoting the creation of a private-led 'marine litter management ecosystem' as an alternative to overcome the limitations of government-led marine waste management policies.

To this end, a pilot project for Companion Beaches was launched in Jeju Island in September last year.

Three companies, including HiteJinro, Government Employees Pension Service, and Jeju Beer, participated in the pilot project, managing Pyoseon, Geumnung, and Jungmun beaches respectively.

Based on the results of the pilot project, it is scheduled to be expanded nationwide by 2023. This year, the project is being carried out in Gyeongnam, Incheon, Chungnam, and Jeju.

The Companion Beach system operates as a private-led model at the metropolitan level, and participating local governments and companies receive performance rewards such as commendations.

Various promotional media and branding plans are also being considered to spread public awareness.

Governor Kim said in his welcoming speech at the commemorative ceremony, "The sea is a treasure trove of resources," adding, "Now, for South Korea to become a maritime powerhouse, it is time for all citizens to cultivate the sea together."

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