Jeon Seon-guk, Jeonnam Provincial Councilor, Rises as a Global Blue Carbon Hub

Jeonnam Mudflats, 'Blue Carbon' Linked to Corporate ESG Management Practices

Choi Seon-guk, Jeonnam Provincial Assembly Member

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Jun-kyung] There have been calls for Jeonnam Province to take active measures for tidal flat carbon neutrality using blue carbon.

Choi Seon-guk, Chair of the Health, Welfare and Environment Committee of the Jeonnam Provincial Council (Democratic Party of Korea, Mokpo 1), stated in a 5-minute speech at the plenary session on the 15th, “Jeonnam accounts for 43% of the nation's tidal flats and possesses abundant blue carbon resources,” adding, “If linked with the National Tidal Flat World Natural Heritage Conservation Headquarters, it can establish itself as a global hub for blue carbon.”

Chairman Choi emphasized, “Blue carbon is carbon stored by marine ecosystems such as tidal flats, Zostera marina, and halophytes. Its carbon absorption rate is up to 50 times faster than that of terrestrial ecosystems, and the creation of salt marshes is also economically viable. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recognizes mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrass beds as blue carbon, and it is predicted that tidal flats will soon be officially recognized as blue carbon as well.”

He continued, “The government has calculated the carbon absorption of coastal wetlands where halophytes naturally grow, making it the third country after the United States and Australia to include this in the ‘National Greenhouse Gas Statistics.’ Some local governments are actively collaborating with regional universities and others to secure blue carbon and attract national projects.”

Furthermore, he stated, “Jeonnam has natural conditions such as tidal flats and coastlines that can utilize blue carbon for carbon neutrality, giving it high development potential. It is expected that if linked with the recently secured National Tidal Flat World Natural Heritage Conservation Headquarters, it can establish itself as a global center for blue carbon.”

In particular, Chairman Choi stressed that Jeonnam Province should secure comprehensive plans and data to restore tidal flat vegetation for carbon neutrality using blue carbon.

Chairman Choi asserted, “Recently, Kia Motors declared an investment in blue carbon projects together with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. It is necessary for companies in Jeonnam to expand ESG management practices linked with blue carbon.”

He then urged, “Please take an active role so that companies can participate in blue carbon projects and join the win-win game of Jeonnam’s carbon neutrality and securing corporate carbon credits.”

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