EAAFP-Ulsan Corporate Champion Programme 2024: Advancing Corporate and Community Engagement at Flyway Network Site

A group photo of EAAFP Secretariat, corporates, citizens, and government officials at the morning session ©Ulsan City

The EAAFP-Ulsan Corporate Champion Programme 2024: Species Champion Leadership Programme, launched by the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) in collaboration with Ulsan City in the Republic of Korea, was an impactful initiative aimed at advancing conservation efforts and promoting sustainable practices. Following the designation of the Ulsan Taewha River (EAAF150) as a Flyway Network Site (FNS), the programme brought together companies to champion their distinct species and support the protection of migratory waterbirds and their habitats.

The EAAFP Corporate Champion Programme offers a unique opportunity for participating companies to strengthen their commitment to the species by interacting with nature. Beyond measurable outcomes, this program provides a platform for companies to address pressing issues such as the biodiversity loss, contribute to local and global sustainability, and build a positive public reputation. The programme helped corporations to enhance their role in protecting the environment, making themselves as leaders in ESG and contributing to a brighter, more sustainable future.

The success of the Ulsan Corporate Champion Programme is driven by the dedicated support of corporate partners, including Hyundai Motor Company (Long-billed Plover Champion), S-OIL Corporation(Mandarin Duck Champion), Korea Petrochemical Ind. Co., Ltd.(East Great Egret Champion), and Kyungdong City Gas Co., Ltd.(Black-crowned Night Heron Champion) Their commitment to conservation and active participation in programme initiatives demonstrate their invaluable role in achieving shared environmental goals. EAAFP extends our heartfelt gratitude to these companies for their continuous support and for setting an example of corporate responsibility in addressing environmental challenges.

Birdwatching activity in the afternoon session ©EAAFP

One of the core goals of the Ulsan Corporate Champion Programme is to foster meaningful engagement with the local community. By encouraging citizens —not only from Ulsan but nationwide—to participate in activities such as birdwatching, habitat cleaning, and educational events, the programme cultivates a sense of environmental awareness among residents. This year, the interest led to over 100 applications in just three days. This strong turnout demonstrates how the programme has had a positive impact on local well-being and the community’s connection to nature.

Mr. Kim Eo Jin participating in habitat cleaning activity with participants ©EAAFP

Ms. Park Im Ja creating cormorant-shaped artwork with picked up trash ©EAAFP

A group photo after the habitat cleaning activity ©Ulsan City

The “Species Leadership Programme” uniquely positions participating corporations as environmental leaders in the community. Naming them as leaders, the programme acknowledges their responsibility to inspire sustainable practices and environmental action within their networks. Participating corporations received “Leader Certificates,” which not only symbolize their dedication to promoting biodiversity and sustainability but also reinforce their responsibility as corporate champions in advancing meaningful environmental initiatives within their spheres of influence.

From left to right: Kyungdong City Gas Co., Ltd. [Black-crowned Night Heron Champion], Korea Petrochemical Ind. Co., Ltd. [East Great Egret Champion], S-OIL Corporation [Mandarin Duck Champion], Hyundai Motor Company [Long-billed Plover Champion] receiving Leader Certificates ©EAAFP

A sketch video of the programme will be produced later this year, offering a visual showcase of the activities, corporate support, and community engagement. This video aims to allow a wider audience to experience the programme’s highlights and to promote ongoing interest in future conservation efforts and engagement with Flyway Network Sites (FNS).