May 11th is World Migratory Bird Day, which commemorates the importance of preserving the diverse habitats and connectivity of migratory birds. In the week of April 22nd 2024, Dr. Bernhard Seliger had the opportunity to observe migratory birds in Mongolia.

On April 30, Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF) hosted a virtual masterclass titled "Wetlands and Biodiversity - How can we cooperate with birds?" under the HSF Global Project for Mitigation and Adaptation to Climate Change (Think Global Sustainability Network). The webinar, supplemented by contributions from various guest speakers, served to present the COP14 results and to give participants the opportunity to exchange views on various possibilities for international cooperation to save birds.

22nd of April marks the international Earth Day, this year under the motto of “Planet versus Plastics”. Earth Day is an annual event to raise awareness for environmental protection and to demonstrate support through various activities and events. One of the key activities of the Hanns Seidel Foundation is environmental networking, which is why Dr Bernhard Seliger, Ms Minjae Beak, and Dr Hyun-Ah Choi from HSF Korea participated in the 2024 International Symposium on Getbol World Heritage. One of the goals of the symposium is working together to bridge the gap between knowledge and implementation for nature conservation.

On April 12th, Prof. Dr. Seliger, representative of the Hanns Seidel Foundation Korea, conducted a webinar titled "Global Politics in Focus: Where is South Korea Heading After the Parliamentary Election?" The webinar, organized by Dr. Thomas Leeb and the Brussels office of the Hanns Seidel Foundation, aimed to delve into the implications of South Korea's recent parliamentary election.

The Hanns Seidel Foundation's work in Korea aims to support and contribute to the conservation of wetlands and species on the Korean peninsula, specifically the conservation of birds. As the probable most under-researched country of the East Asian Australasian Flyway (EAAF), the DPRK is a valuable cooperation partner for the Hanns Seidel Foundation and international endeavors of biodiversity conservation.

Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF) Korea published a report on results from Inter-Flyways Workshop 2024.

On April 3rd 2024, Dr. Bernhard Seliger, Dr. Hyun-Ah Choi (Birds Korea, Hanns Seidel Foundation) and Minjae Baek (Hanns Seidel Foundation) met with Dr. Mimi Kessler from the IUCN and Prof. Matthew Toomey from the University of Tulsa. The purpose of the meeting was to conduct a survey in the Han Estuary from Yudo to Siam and to exchange experience on international birds’ conservation with our guests.

Dr. Bernhard Seliger, representative of the Hanns Seidel Foundation Korea, delivered a lecture on Geology and Biodiversity in the DPRK on March 28th, emphasizing the importance of preserving wetlands and forest areas.

On March 26, 2024, Dr. Hyun-Ah Choi, Senior Researcher, and Minjae Baek, Coordinator at Hanns Seidel Foundation Korea attended a lecture on Ecological Design by Dr. Dongwook Han and Dr. Eunjung Lee and had a meeting with them.

Hanns Seidel Foundation Korea has been working in conservation and raising public awareness activities in various fields as part of the peace and Green Detente on the Korean Peninsula, and in particular, it has continued its activities and support for the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats in the face of the climate crisis.

On March 26, 2024, Dr. Hyunah Choi, Senior Researcher and Minjae Baek, Regional Climate Project Coordinator at Hanns Seidel Foundation Korea visited the ICLEI Korea to share their and to explore ways to collaborate in the future.

On March 21st, Dr. Bernhard Seliger, representative of the Hanns-Seidel-Foundation Korea, delivered a lecture at Halla University on the reunification of Germany and the current situation of the Korean Peninsula. The reunification of Germany offers lessons and ideas for a united future.

KORUM (Korea Unternehmen Märkte) has just published the first 2024 issue with the topic "AI - Transforming Industries and Beyond".

The Hanns Seidel Foundation has been conducting matching projects in the field of forestry since 2009, with the focus on supporting a Korean reconciliation process on the Korean peninsula.

The Seorak Peace Unification Forum, held on March 22, 2024, in Sokcho, was organized by the Hanns-Seidel Foundation (HSS) and the Korea Institute for Peace and Cooperation (KIPCO). The forum addressed the political situation on the Korean Peninsula, geopolitical challenges in the Indo-Pacific, and Korean reunification in the context of German reunification. Strategies to enhance regional competitiveness and the role of the Seorak region in reunification and tourism promotion in Sokcho were discussed.

The 21st of March is World Forest Day, highlighting the importance of this vital ecosystem for our climate, security, and the planet.

The Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF) is pleased to welcome new research interns again this spring!

The Hanns Seidel Foundation wishes Happy Easter

The Institute for Peace Affairs (IPA) has just released the second half of the 35th edition of "The Korean Journal of Unification Affairs." In this journal, several scholars have contributed articles on issues related to reunification on the Korean Peninsula, providing their expertise on various topics.

As part of their Innovative Science-Integrated AR Program, the Institute for Peace Affairs (IPA), in cooperation with the Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF), has developed the educational working poster "Unification Spring with Teacher" in a joint project. This educational tool serves as a bridge to educate students about the diverse topics of biodiversity and the protection of both Koreas. Through games and questions, students learn about the differences and similarities between the DPRK and the ROK and are encouraged to consider the issue of reunification from an environmentally friendly perspective.