| (28/05/24) Korean Air today celebrated the 20th anniversary of its afforestation project in Baganuur, Mongolia. Aimed at combating desertification, the “Korean Air Forest” was launched in 2004 and each year a group of 100 to 200 airline employees take part in the afforestation effort. The project had to be temporarily suspended in 2020 due to global pandemic restrictions, during which time local forestry experts and residents maintained the forest. Baganuur District is located 130 kilometers from Ulaanbaatar. A coal mining region spanning approximately 31 square kilometers, it supplies about 60% of Mongolia’s coal demand. Prior to the forest planting, coal dust from open-pit mines affected local villages. Recognizing the need for afforestation, Korean Air began planting trees to eventually cover an area of 44 hectares, or approximately 82 football fields. Korean Air has resumed its afforestation project in Baganuur, Mongolia This year, 112 volunteers from the airline, including new hires, resumed planting activities over two weeks starting from 20 May. “We started planting trees here 20 years ago, and both Korea and Mongolia have been steadily cultivating the Korean Air Forest together,” said Sumiya Davaasüren, Governor of Baganuur District. “I would like to thank the Korean Air team and all participants in the project on behalf of Baganuur for creating a forest to prevent desertification and the spread of yellow dust.” Currently, the Korean Air Forest is home to over 125,300 trees of 12 species including poplars, Siberian elms, sea buckthorn, and willows, which can thrive in harsh environments. In 2019, an automated watering system was installed to ensure the trees had stable conditions to grow. As a result, the tree growth rate is 95%, with the tallest tree reaching 12 meters. The forest, which stretches 2 kilometers long and 222 meters wide, acts as a barrier to block dust and debris from nearby coal mines, and the ecosystem is gradually being restored as various wildlife such as insects, skylarks, rabbits and foxes make Korean Air forest their home. It also serves as a venue for local students’ picnics and field trips. In 2006, Baganuur District was recognized by the Mongolian government as a model city for green space creation and highlighted the Korean Air Forest as an exemplary eco-friendly volunteer project. Three years later, Korean Air received the Medal of Excellence from the Mongolian Ministry of Environment and Tourism. Latest exclusive video interviews:16 HD Video Interviews from Routes Europe 2024 in Aarhus, Denmark; 9 HD Video Interviews from Routes Asia 2024 in Langkawi, Malaysia; Standard to Open Residences in Hua Hin and phu*ket, Thailand; Video Interview with Amar Lalvani, Executive Chairman; 9 Exclusive Video Interviews from ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024 in Vientiane, Laos; 8 NTO Press Conferences from ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024 in Vientiane, Laos; 13 HD Video Interviews from World Travel Market 2023 in London, England; 5 HD Video Interviews from APG World Connect 2023 in Monaco, France; 15 HD Video Interviews from Routes World 2023 in Istanbul, Türkiye; and Electric Airport Taxis at Almaty Airport (ALA) in Kazakhstan - HD Video Interview with CEO. | Headlines: | |
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