Kumho Petrochemical Group to Restore 3,000-Pyeong Migratory Bird Habitat in Yeosu

Five Group Affiliates Join, 2.6 Billion Won Invested Over Three Years

Establishing a Comprehensive Ecological Hub Near the Yeosu Plant

Converting Off-Season Farmland into Fallow Paddy Fields

CEO Baek Jonghoon: "We Will Fulfill Our Responsibility to Preserve Yeosu's Ecological Value"

On April 17, Kumho Petrochemical Group announced that it will officially launch the 'Endangered Migratory Bird Habitat Renovation Project' in the Yeosu region of South Jeolla Province to conserve biodiversity and respond to the climate crisis.

This project will be carried out jointly by five group affiliates: Kumho Petrochemical, Kumho P&B Chemicals, Kumho Mitsui Chemicals, Kumho Polychem, and Kumho T&L. In cooperation with Thanks Carbon, Kumho Petrochemical Group will invest a total of 260 million won over the next three years to create wetlands (fallow paddy fields) in farmland near Gasari Ecological Park in Yeosu. The first year of the project will begin with an area of approximately 1,200 pyeong, expand to 2,400 pyeong in the second year, and reach up to 3,400 pyeong in the third year in a phased approach.

A Kumho Petrochemical Group representative explained the background of the project, saying, "The area near our Yeosu plant is a key ecological hub adjacent to the Suncheonman Wetland. It has long served as an important stopover and wintering site for migratory birds that travel long distances during the winter," adding, "However, due to recent industrialization and regional development, the area of farmland has decreased, leading to the deterioration of habitats."

Kumho Petrochemical Group has created fallow paddy fields that maintain a certain water depth during the winter off-season, providing a stable environment for migratory birds to stay. These fallow fields not only support a wide range of biological species but are also recognized for their outstanding capacity to sequester carbon in the soil, making them an effective ecological restoration method for responding to the climate crisis. In addition, the company plans to use advanced equipment such as unmanned sensor cameras to monitor changes in population and habitat conditions, and to establish systematic habitat management strategies based on the accumulated data.

This project is especially meaningful as local farmers are directly involved in its operation. Local farming households provide stable food sources for the birds by supplying rice seeds, sweet potatoes, and other food once a week during the winter. In March, Kumho Petrochemical employees also participated in field activities, contributing to the formation of a culture of ecosystem conservation.

The company plans to operate this as a regular social contribution program and will continue to encourage ongoing participation.

Baek Jonghoon, CEO of Kumho Petrochemical, emphasized, "Preserving the ecological value and biodiversity of Yeosu is a natural responsibility for a company that has grown together with the local community," adding, "Going forward, we will further deepen our ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management through sincere activities."

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