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International Forum
Together for a Sustainable Future

Transboundary conservation is of particular importance in Northeast Asia. While geopolitics as well as social, political and cultural differences are often drawing borders between countries and people, nature does not acknowledge these borders. During the World Leaders Conservation Forum on Jeju Island the Hanns Seidel Foundation was represented by Felix Glenk, Project Manager for DPR Korea, who shared the work and projects of HSF Korea in the technical session “Conservation Beyond Boundaries”.

Presentation hold by Felix Glenk (Project manager for DPR Korea)

Presentation hold by Felix Glenk (Project manager for DPR Korea)

HSS

Co-hosted by the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Korea, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and IUCN, the World Leaders Conservation Forum brought together experts and leaders from all sectors of society to discuss and seek creative, nature-based solutions to global environment, economic and social challenges for shaping a sustainable future. Under the theme “Together for a Sustainable Future”, the role of conservation as a peace keeping and peace building instrument beyond national borders was the main focus. HSF Korea has been active for more than 30 years in South Korea and for 15 years in North Korea to promote democracy, peace and development. Nature conservation is seen as a major instrument to connect people and nations beyond borders.

Speech at World Leaders Conservation Forum

Speech at World Leaders Conservation Forum

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On 3rd October, the technical session on conservation beyond borders included the presentation of HSF on the topic. The session, chaired by Trevor Sandwith, Director of the Global Protected Areas Programme, also brought together other experts who face challenges related to boundaries in their work. Dr. Kathy McKinnon, Commission Chair of IUCN WCPA spoke about examples from Columbia in the context of climate change as well as examples from Europe related to humanity on the move. Dr. Helga Rainer introduced the case of the Arcus Foundation on transboundary cooperation for wildlife conservation, especially great apes in Africa. The presentations were followed by a panel for discussions that included Dr. Eun-Jin Park and Jaecheol Seo from the National Institute of Ecology in South Korea and focused on how to catalyze leadership and action on overcoming barriers to effective transboundary conservation.

Children performing at World Leaders Conservation Forum

Children performing at World Leaders Conservation Forum

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The results of the technical session contributed to the resolution of the World Conservation Leaders Forum and were presented at the Leaders Dialogue the following day. The event was also an occasion for IUCN to celebrate its 70th Anniversary. The governor of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province expressed his congratulatory remarks on this occasion. HSF Korea and IUCN have been cooperating to support conservation efforts in North Korea for several years.

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