Global Green Pilgrimage proposed for Earth Day
(posted to the Ramsar Forum, 22 February 2000)
Dear Ramsar Forum members,
Greetings from Green Korea United in South Korea.
Green Korea United is a leading Non-Governmental Environmental organization in Korea. We are also a member of the Ramsar network and play a key role to protect Wetlands in Korea. After celebrating World Wetlands Day, it is now prepared to celebrate Earth DAy, 22 April.
From 1997, we have held 'Green Pilgrimage' to celebrate Earth Day. This year, we would like to expand the meaning and concept of it and hold a program with many other organizations that are interested in wetland issues around the world.
To do that, GKU wants to suggest a Global Green Pilgrimage to the organizations in Ramsar network. A detailed explanation about this is written below.
It would be greatly appreciated if you could send this to the related network through the Internet, as we hope there will be a deep interest in it.
Please send us any comments you have, so that we may create a better program.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Youk, Kyung-Suk
International Cooperation
Green Korea United
environ@chollian.net
Let's go on a Global Green Pilgrimage together!!
What is a Green pilgrimage?
Since 1998, every year, Green Korea United, a leading non-governmental environmental organization in Korea, has held a 'Green Pilgrimage' in order to celebrate 'Earth day'.
The idea of a 'Green Pilgrimage' comes from the 'Peace Pilgrimage'of Satish Kumare, ecology activist who walked from India, Rusia, Europe to America, penniless, to stop the use of Nuclear power of the Powers.
Through the Green Pilgrimage, all participants can see for themselves the serious environmental damage which has occurred at specific sites, and work with regional people to solve these problems. The physically rigorous pilgrimage not only creates a bond with nature, but also allows participants time for self-reflection.
Green pilgrimage in Korea
On the first Green pilgrimage in 1998, 'Life and harmony, save the wetlands' was our slogan. We walked our west coast, which is covered with beautiful wetlands and mudflats but is now disappearing, owing to serious pollution and many reclamations.
On our second pilgrimage in 1999, 'Stop the New nuclear Power plant'was our slogan. To do that, we walked the places where a new nuclear power plant is to be built and high transmission power lines were built.
Global citizens participate in Earth Day 2000's Green Pilgrimage
On our third pilgrimage in 2000, 'Save the Saemangeum Wetland!' is our slogan. Saemangeum recramation project is the biggest reclamtion project in the world. To stop it , we will walk through the south-west coast line for 7-10days and have a big demonstration on Seamangeum place with region people.
Green Korea United would like to proceed with a Green Pilgrimage with many citizens and organizations worldwide on Earth Day 2000. Many problems make our pilgrimage together difficult, however, it would be a real Green pilgrimage if each country held its own pilgrimage in accordance with the situation in their country.
Those wanting to hold a Green Pilgrimage could hold one according to their choice, and we could share our common experiences through the Internet.
If you want to get more information or have a question, please do not hesitate to contact us.
As a reference, Green Korea United will let you know our own program for Earth day 2000 as soon as possible. .
Please contact:
* E-mail : Environ@chollian.net
* Tel: 82-2-747-8500/ Fax : 82-2-766-4180
* Coordinator : Youk, Kyung-Suk/ Kimberly Salabsky
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