1st Green Corps
Summary of the 1st Green Corps Report
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Future Forest aims to network future leaders of Korea and China. By building Korea-China Friendship Forest we aim to raise consciousness on global warming, combat deforestation and yellow dust storms. Lastly, we will conduct various exchange programs on mutual forestry, environment and visit cultural/financial scenes. This project shall be conducted as an experimental program to commemorate the tenth anniversary of restoration of Korea- China diplomatic relationships. If this project succeeds, we plan to transform the project to an annual event. This project is executed as a group project of various sectors, joint with North-East Asia Forestry Forum.
The description of the project is as follows:
On April 13th 2002, all individuals that participates as the first green Corps including the sponsors-, assembled at Allen Hall, Yonsei University for the first official orientation. On 27th of April the inauguration of Future Forest had its first organization meeting and drill on the cultural events and topics of discussion. The actual visit to China was held during May 2nd-8th, for a week. On May 25th, a concluding event was held along with an exhibition of photographs on the activities. On August it is scheduled that visitors from China will come to Korea in return, plant trees and experience Korean culture, environment and economic sceneries.
A total of 100 Korean students were selected, 67 through an application process via website, www.forestkorea.org, 33 through recommendation from the faculties of Forestry/ Environmental studies. Of the 40 other staffs were involved, 20 consisted of members of the Forum of Forestry and sponsors, 15 of faculty of forestry or culture/history. 5 were the organizers and press team to cover the event.
The elements sought for from the student Green Corps were as follows: the ability to be an international leader in the future (English ability), major in fields of study related to China management, Economics, languages or culture, outstanding talent in traditional performance arts, exceedingly interested in East Asian environment, culture, economic exchange. Individuals who were applicable to more than 2 conditions above received extra credits. Also, within 1,650,000KW needed to each participant, it was notified that 250,000 KW was to be self-provided. The support from the principal of the individual university, to not exceed 10 members from a single institution, and equality in sex balance was also put into consideration.
The locations visited in China were largely Beijing and Xian. The activities Green Corps engaged were planting trees, youth cultural exchange, visiting environmental sceneries, and historical/ cultural experiences. On day one, May 2nd, Green Corps checked in to the hotel in Beijing and visited various environmental/forestry locations. On day two, they visited Korea-China Friendship Forest and participated in forestation activities. In the afternoon they visited historical spots such as the museum. During the evenings student Green Corps also engaged in cultural performances and the chance to share visions of the future with the Chinese students. Day three was spent in Xian and they visited the famous Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang and his Terracotta Army. Day Four, the Green Corps returned to Beijing and visited the Forbidden City. The rest of the days consisted of the participants touring historical spots in district of Beijing, including the Great Wall, Tiananmun square, Ming Tombs and the Summer palace.
Thanks to the enthusiastic support from both, Korea and China such as the full sponsorship all 100 student Green Corps, the event was a great success as much as being able to present future plans. Future Forest linked the future leaders of Korea and China and showed the immense potential to raise consciousness of environmental pollution but also the possibility to combat further deforestation and yellow sand storms that affects the whole of East Asia.
