Emart announced that it had begun planting trees in Mongolia’s Terelj National Park on October 10. (Image courtesy of Emart)
SEOUL, Oct. 16 (Korea Bizwire) – Emart, one of South Korea’s largest retailers, is taking a proactive stance against climate change through various afforestation activities, with its latest initiative reaching as far as the steppes of Mongolia.
On October 15, Emart announced that it had begun planting trees in Mongolia’s Terelj National Park on October 10, coinciding with Mongolia’s National Tree Planting Day. This marks the beginning of a five-year plan to create “The Forest of Tomorrow,” where 15,000 trees will be planted across 4.4 hectares.
The project, part of Emart’s broader “Forest Tomorrow” initiative, saw participation from the company’s ESG management team, representatives from the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO), and members of the Future Forest NGO. Additionally, 40 employees from Emart’s four Mongolian stores volunteered for the tree-planting effort.
Mongolia, where 76.9% of the land is affected by deforestation and rapid desertification, was selected as a strategic location for Emart’s reforestation efforts. The company plans to plant species well-suited to Mongolia’s climate, including Scots pine, Siberian apricot, and honeysuckle.
“Forest Tomorrow is a long-term ESG project for Emart,” said Lee Kyung-hee, an executive at Emart. “Through various planting activities, we aim to contribute to addressing the climate crisis and preserving biodiversity.”
The initiative extends beyond mere planting. Emart plans to establish a volunteer corps by 2025 to ensure ongoing tree planting and management, and by 2027, it aims to implement local forest education programs, creating diverse social value.
Notably, the project is funded entirely through partial proceeds from Emart’s “No Brand Tree Planting Tissue,” allowing customers to contribute to reforestation efforts through their everyday purchases.
This international effort follows Emart’s domestic reforestation project in Gangneung, South Korea, where the company planted 1,000 trees across 3,300 square meters in an area affected by forest fires.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
