Japan-ROK Cooperation To Protect Earth Environment: “Let’s Tree Fund” Will Plant Trees, Educate Kids

News

[Jan. 15, 2010]

Japan-ROK Cooperation To Protect Earth Environment

David Tharp
The Nippon Foundation

“Let’s Tree Fund” Will Plant Trees, Educate Kids

Partcipating Countries: Japan, ROK

Climate warming and the environment are top priorities for a new fund launched in Tokyo yesterday by South Korean Actor Lee Seo-Jin, South Korean franchise Genesis, and The Nippon Foundation. The “Let’s Tree Fund,” which was set in motion at a press conference on 14 January at the foundation's Tokyo Headquarters, with a symbolic signing ceremony is considered an epoch making expression of cooperation between the people of the Republic of Korea and Japan. Its initial field of activity will encompass the following:

Tree planting efforts in Japan such as:
      - The planting of disaster prevention groves around schools
      - The planting of pine windbreaks along the nation's shores
      - Reforestation along the nation's shores for general environmental protection;
Reforestation in the Chinese-Mongolian desert areas in order to protect Northeast Asia from the so-called Asian Dust that annually plagues the region, and through this effort, encouraging the youth of Japan, Korea and China to work together beyond their borders for future environmental protection;
Environmental education for the youth.

The Nippon Foundation will manage the fund for both countries.

The fund’s founders called for people in all walks of life to support “Let’s Tree” goals.“The hearts of many people will be warmed by this fund’s activities,” said Chairman Sasakawa.

Popular actor Lee Seo-Jin, whose latest TV series is being aired in Japan on NHK-BS2, said: “We start here, but this is not just about the Republic of Korea and Japan. This is about the future of the world’s environment.”

Lee announced that he had contributed five million yen to the fund, which was matched by another five million yen from the South Korean company Genesis for a total of 10 million yen.

Further, 5% of the revenues of Genesis' Kobe-based fried chicken restaurant (produced by Lee) will go toward the fund. Finally, for every bottle of Color Pink Magic BB Cream that is sold, Lee plans to donate 100 yen to the fund.

This start will be followed up by a charity fashion show on 15 March featuring the work of Lee Young Hee, one of the most well known designers in South Korea, who is donating time and effort to the work of the “Let’s Tree Fund.”