WWF, one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organization with 6 million supporters and a network of more than 100 offices on five continents, opens its office in Korea finally. WWF has a huge success with 'Earth Hour' campaign in Korea over the years.

On March 28, 2014, WWF officially celebrated its presence in Korea with a launching party, where Eco-save club had an opportunity to observe. 

The party main event had started with the congratulatory message from the UN Director General, Mr. Ban, Ki-moon, then the Director General of WWF, Dr. Marco Lambertini gave a speech over the WWF's mission in Korea. Over 300 people were there to celebrate WWF's presence in Korea.

WWF-Korea will focus on addressing ecological footprint issues, engaging on key policy discussions, and creating awareness about biodiversity.  WWF-Korea will have a special role in leading the WWF network in the Asia-Pacific region-building on Korea's strong engagement on climate and energy issues, its leadership in various corporate and industrial sectors and its innovatory prowess, as well as its critical role in sustainable fisheries, particularly tuna.

Dr. Lambertini told me that he started his eco career as a reporter to an eco-magazine when he was 12 years old. He emphasized a little attention and step on environment would make a huge difference in the future. He wished all his best to all the youth who have dedicated their time in eco-work.

It was an inspiring night for Eco-save club to reflect our work so far, and reconfirm our commitment to save the planet.

UN Secretary General Mr.Ban, Ki-moon's congratulatory message on WWF-Korea

UN Secretary General Mr.Ban, Ki-moon's message:

I am pleased to send congratulations to the opening of WWF-Korea after a decade of fruitful engagement.

I commend your work on the Yellow Sea Ecoregion and look forward to your continued contribution to biodiversity conservation on the Korean Peninsula and beyond.

The United Nations is proud to collaborate with WWF in promoting sustainable development and a world where society lives in harmony with nature.

Since 2009, WWF has been raising international awareness about climate change and renewable energy with the Earth Hour campaign.

You join with the Green Climate Fund, also based here in Korea, in making the case for a profound transformation of the global economy.

I look forward to joining you on March 29th as we switch off our lights for one hour — and switch on to a cleaner, greener future.

Please accept my best wishes for today?s celebration and the valuable work you will do in the months and years to come.  Thank you.

WWF-Korea opens in Seoul

Seoul, Korea – WWF, the leading global conservation organization, has established an institutional presence in the Republic of Korea, marked by official ceremonies in the capital Seoul this week.

Following its work since 2000 to preserve the Yellow Sea Ecoregion, WWF has had phenomenal success across Korea with Earth Hour, WWF's global grassroots movement for the planet. To build on these successes, WWF has decided to open an office in the country.

"WWF is very excited to establish a presence in Korea, a country at the vanguard of digital and technological innovation, which has shown itself to be a regional and global leader in creating smart solutions for sustainable lifestyles," said Dr Marco Lambertini, WWF International's Director General Designate, attending the launch events in Seoul.

"This is a proud moment for Korea to welcome WWF on its shores. Korean people want to live well and sustainably, and be a part of the solution. Choosing cleaner energies, greener transport options, and consuming eco-friendly products like certified sustainable seafood, are all ways Korean people can and will make a difference," said Mr Yang In-Mo, Co-Chairperson of the WWF-Korea Board of Trustees.

WWF works globally to encourage sustainable consumption, to cut pollution and waste, to save biological diversity, and reduce people’s impact on the natural world.

"The way Koreans have energetically and creatively embraced Earth Hour shows something of the potential for ideas, action and positive change here," said Mr Yang.

"WWF is grateful to the Korean government, the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Yulchon Attorneys at Law, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, the global advertising company Cheil, and all our supporters and volunteers who have made this moment possible by believing in our mission and dreams. We look forward to working with you all in creating a future where people live in harmony with nature," said Dr Lambertini.

Participating in the Earth Hour in Seoul

EARTH HOUR 2014 8:30-9:30 PM on 3/29/14

It was very cool to participate in the Earth Hour where we could save energy by turning off all our lights and using a candle instead. I realized that using a candle for light is very difficult because we are used to technology which wastes a lot of energy. However, it was a great experience and I felt proud that I could join a campaign like this. 

Doing my part in Earth Hour

Participating in the Earth Hour at Home. It was cool to use the candle light instead of electric light. 

Earth Hour in Seoul

Earth Hour 2014 Video 60 sec

For the past few years, Earth Hour has made a massive impact around the world thanks to the power of the crowd. But for 2014, we want to make an even greater one.

Soon we'll be unleashing something different, bigger and bolder than before. We'll be unleashing Earth Hour Blue. We'll be unleashing your power. This Earth Hour, use your power athttp://earthhour.org