LG Chem Plants 50,000 Zalpi for Carbon Absorption in Yeosu Sea

Starting Marine Ecosystem Restoration and Ocean Environment Research

Employees of LG Chem are planting Zalpi near Daegyeongdo, Yeosu. Photo by LG Chem

LG Chem is planting 50,000 Zalpi (eelgrass) underwater carbon sinks in the sea off Yeosu to create a sustainable marine ecosystem.

On the 31st, LG Chem announced that it has begun Zalpi transplantation and marine environment research in the sea near Daegyeongdo, Yeosu, in collaboration with related organizations. This comes four months after announcing the Zalpi habitat restoration and research project in June.

Zalpi is a type of seagrass that blooms underwater, serving as a habitat for marine life and recognized as a "blue carbon" sink that absorbs carbon in the ocean. The Zalpi habitat restoration project is overseen by LG Chem, with detailed program operations managed by the climate tech startup ThanksCarbon. The Korea Fisheries Resources Agency (FIRA) is responsible for the restoration and research of the Zalpi habitat.

The site for creating the Zalpi habitat is the sea area near Daegyeongdo, close to LG Chem’s Yeosu plant. LG Chem plans to transplant 50,000 Zalpi plants in the first phase by November this year. Simultaneously, quarterly surveys will be conducted to monitor ecological changes in marine life such as fish (pelagic organisms) and benthic organisms like sea anemones, crabs, and sea snails.

Starting next year, considering the growth status and spread of Zalpi, an additional 20,000 Zalpi plants will be planted. By 2026, the Zalpi colony is expected to expand to 10 hectares, equivalent to the size of 14 soccer fields.

This project includes research on seed utilization technology to enable Zalpi to naturally form colonies and spread. Indoor sowing will also be promoted at the Namhae Headquarters facility of the Korea Fisheries Resources Agency (FIRA) to identify the most suitable seedlings for the Yeosu marine ecosystem. This is the first time that private companies are leading Zalpi ecological research.

LG Chem also held meetings with key officials of Yeosu city to promote regional coexistence and collaboration. Yeosu city plans to actively support the Zalpi habitat restoration project. Jeong Gi-myeong, Mayor of Yeosu, said, "We expect the Zalpi habitat restoration supported by LG Chem to greatly contribute to carbon reduction and local environmental improvement. Yeosu city will also strive to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and create a safe Yeosu resilient to climate crises."

In connection with the Zalpi habitat restoration, LG Chem will conduct marine ecology education for elementary school students in the Yeosu area in partnership with Hope Friends Korea Food for the Hungry International. As part of the "Like Green" initiative, which helps students easily understand environmental and social issues that future generations will face, environmental instructors will visit schools to teach about marine ecology. To provide a more vivid experience of the Zalpi habitat, a metaverse platform and marine life cultivation kits will also be used in the education.

Previously, LG Chem launched "BLUE FOREST," a space on the metaverse platform Zepeto where anyone can easily create their own sea forest. Since its opening in June, BLUE FOREST has attracted over 3 million visitors worldwide in just four months, raising awareness about the importance of Zalpi and marine ecosystem conservation.

Shin Hak-cheol, Vice Chairman of LG Chem, stated, "Restoring the Zalpi habitat is an effort to pass on a sustainable environment to future generations. LG Chem will lead the industry as a Top Global Company pioneering sustainability."

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