On 22 April 2024, Hyundai Motor Company generously donated to the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP), further solidifying its commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development. This contribution supports the EAAFP Corporate Champion Programme, which aims to protect migratory waterbirds and their habitats along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway (EAAF).
Long-billed Plover species champion ‘Hyundai Motor Company’ (2022) © EAAFP Foundation
The EAAFP Corporate Champion Programme engages the private sector in conservation efforts for migratory waterbirds and their habitats. By participating as a Corporate Champion, companies like Hyundai Motor Company demonstrate leadership in environmental stewardship and corporate social responsibility. The programme supports various activities including habitat restoration, research, education, and community engagement, all critical for the conservation of migratory waterbirds.
MOU signing ceremony in May 2021 © EAAFP Secretariat
In May 2021, the EAAFP Secretariat, Ulsan Metropolitan City, and Ulsan Corporate Champions (Hyundai Motor Company, S-OIL Corporation, Korea Zinc Co., Ltd., Korea Petrochemical Ind. Co., Ltd., KyungDong City Gas Co., Ltd.) commemorated the inclusion of Ulsan’s new migratory bird flyway site and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to protect migratory waterbirds and their habitats in Ulsan City. Since then, Hyundai Motor Company, S-OIL Corporation, Korea Petrochemical Ind. Co., Ltd., and KyungDong City Gas Co., Ltd. have joined the EAAFP Corporate Champion Programme. These four companies are each matched with a migratory waterbird species found in Ulsan and are given the role of species ambassadors, or Species Champions, to protect the species and its habitat. Hyundai Motor Company has actively participated as the Long-billed Plover Champion since 2022. The four Ulsan Corporate Champions, including Hyundai Motor Company, sponsored and participated in the Ulsan Symposium for Migratory Birds, co-organised by the EAAFP Secretariat and Ulsan Metropolitan City.
Waterbirds in the Taehwa River © Ulsan Metropolitan City
The continuous support from Hyundai Motor Company as a Corporate Champion will aid in the ongoing conservation and management of the Taehwa River [EAAF150], ensuring that it remains a safe haven for migratory birds. The Taehwa River, designated as a Flyway Network Site, is a vital habitat for various species of migratory waterbirds. This designation recognises the river’s importance in providing resting and feeding grounds for birds travelling along the flyway.
Hyundai Motor Company’s commitment to the EAAFP Corporate Champion Programme underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in conservation. Through this sponsorship, Hyundai is not only supporting critical environmental initiatives but also inspiring other corporations to take action for the protection of our natural world.
The EAAFP expresses deep gratitude to Hyundai Motor Company for their sponsorship and hopes for their continued participation in conservation efforts for migratory birds and habitats in Ulsan and beyond, throughout the East Asian–Australasian Flyway.
