In this issue of Flyway Story, we invited Ms. Jiyoon Hyun from the Republic of Korea, our donor for World Migratory Bird Day 2022 Lucky Box Event.
“Above all, I wanted to observe these winged friends for a long time, and I realized the importance of protecting their habitat to ensure that migratory birds can continue visiting Korea in the future.” — Ms. Jiyoon Hyun
EAAFP: Nice to meet you, Ms. Jiyoon Hyun. Could you please introduce yourself?
Ms. Jiyoon Hyun: Hello. I am an office worker who likes birdwatching. I’ve loved birds since I was young, and after becoming an adult, I started birdwatching. Through my birdwatching activities, I even received a bird name, the Red-breasted Snipe.
EAAFP: What inspired you to participate in the EAAFP World Migratory Bird Day Lucky Box event?
Ms. Jiyoon Hyun: I subscribed to the EAAFP newsletter, and through it, I learned about both the World Migratory Bird Day news and the sponsorship event. I wanted to regularly support animals and birds after joining the company, and it just so happened that I received the EAAFP newsletter in my first month of employment. The timing was perfect, and I was able to participate in both the sponsorship and the event. I also enjoy collecting bird-themed merchandise, and since they were offering a lucky box filled with various bird goodies for participants, there was no reason not to join.
EAAFP: What inspired you to become interested in the conservation of migratory waterbirds and their habitats?
Ms. Jiyoon Hyun: Through birdwatching, I began to appreciate the charm of various birds. I especially love observing migratory birds on the islands along the west coast during the spring. Above all, I wanted to observe these winged friends for a long time, and I realized the importance of protecting their habitat to ensure that migratory birds can continue visiting Korea in the future.
EAAFP: Do you often participate in activities related to migratory waterbirds, such as birdwatching? If you have any memorable experiences, please feel free to share your thoughts and feelings about them.
Ms. Jiyoon Hyun: I mainly encounter migratory waterbirds through birdwatching. I remember visiting the artificial island for the Black-faced Spoonbills at Namdong Reservoir. From a distance, I saw the Black-faced Spoonbills guarding their nests, which left a lasting impression on me. I thought that when the eggs hatched, I would come back to see the adorable spoonbill chicks. However, shortly after my birdwatching trip, I heard the news that the island had been attacked by raccoons, which was very heartbreaking.
EAAFP: What do you think is the biggest issue in the conservation of migratory waterbirds and their habitats? Have you had any experience engaging in activities to address this issue?
Ms. Jiyoon Hyun: The most urgent issue is the decreasing space available for migratory waterbirds to forage. Given my personal limitations, it’s difficult for me to take a leading role in securing their habitats, so I have been continuously donating to organizations that help conserve waterbird habitats.
EAAFP: EAAFP is currently working in various areas to promote migratory waterbird and habitat conservation, including public awareness education programs, support for non-governmental organizations, and corporate champion programs. Among these, “public awareness” is essential for ensuring a future where migratory waterbirds and humans can coexist. What kind of information or opportunities do you think EAAFP should provide to increase public awareness? How can we teach future generations, especially children, the importance of environmental protection?
Ms. Jiyoon Hyun: I believe that video content is the most effective way to convey messages about migratory waterbirds and habitat conservation. It would be great to produce documentaries or animations related to migratory waterbirds that naturally inform the public and children about the importance of conservation.
Korean Article – Birdy Interview #5 : https://foundation.eaaflyway.net/eaafp-인터뷰-시리즈-_-현지윤-후원자/
