Pollinator Gardens: Shelters for Bees and Butterflies
Bees and butterflies, busily flying among blooming flowers,
gather nectar while transferring pollen that enables pollination.
Today, however, many orchards rely on artificial pollination,
in which people manually transfer pollen. This is largely due to the sharp
decline in pollinator1 populations—such as bees and butterflies—
caused by urbanization, deforestation, pesticide use, and climate change.
The decrease in pollinators poses a serious threat
to humanity’s sustainable future.
1 Pollinators: organisms such as bees, butterflies, birds, and insects that carry pollen from the stamen to the pistil of flowers.
About 75% of global crops depend on pollinators for fruiting. A decline leads to reduced yields, rising prices of fruits and vegetables, and worsening hunger.
Lower productivity of pollinator-dependent crops causes downturns in agriculture, beekeeping, food processing, and distribution.
More than half of seed plants lose over 80% of their reproductive capacity, disrupting food chains and placing more than 2 million species of plants and animals worldwide at risk of extinction.
With reduced access to essential nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and E found in fruits and vegetables, people suffer weakened immunity, higher rates of infectious and chronic diseases, malnutrition, and more than 500,000 premature deaths each year.
The decline of pollinators is not simply an environmental issue
—it can trigger food crises, economic disruption, and ecological collapse.
Safeguarding them is crucial to humanity’s survival and prosperity.
WeLoveU ⛲ Creates Pollinator Havens
To promote a sustainable global environment, the International WeLoveU
Foundation (hereinafter referred to as WeLoveU) carried out the
Mom’s Garden Project at Emma and Nicholas DiPietro Park in East Hartford,
Connecticut, United States. As part of the initiative, two “Pollinator Gardens”
were established to provide sanctuaries for bees, butterflies, insects, and birds.
Members planted a variety of flowering trees, shrubs, and larger trees
to allow diverse species to take root and thrive in the urban setting.
Benches and sculptures were also placed,
offering residents a comfortable space to relax.
On May 25, John Bernick, PE, Rail Engineering Section Manager at HDR,
who joined in planting trees and flowers, remarked:
“Many pollinator populations are in decline due to habitat loss, pesticide use,
pollution and climate change. If you agree that pollinators are important
to our environment, get involved with projects like this. The WeLoveU
Foundation has excellent opportunities for you as an individual or company
to get involved and make our environment better.”
Kevin Morrison, PE, Civil/Roadway Project Manager at HDR, also noted:
“Over the past decades, bee populations have steadily declined. To help
counter this trend, we partnered with WeLoveU and create pollinator gardens.
Making a positive impact on the environment through thoughtful design
is one of HDR’s core values.” He added that creating meaningful change
through partnership was especially rewarding.
🌱 Before and After the Pollinator Garden Project 🌱
Pollinator Garden ⛲ Opening Ceremony
On July 20, the opening ceremony for the Pollinator Gardens was held.
Connecticut State Representative, Mayor of East Hartford, the HDR staff,
and WeLoveU members gathered to celebrate the success
of a project more than a year in the making.
Mayor Connor Martin remarked: “At a time when creating habitats
for pollinators is so important, the Pollinator Gardens will highlight
how vital the roles of bees and butterflies are.” He added, “I’m delighted
to see such a beautiful garden in our city, and I sincerely thank everyone
who worked together to make them possible.”
State Representative Patrick Biggins commented: “With more pollinators,
ecosystems are preserved, and crops as well as native plants thrive.
I believe the Pollinator Gardens will also become
a place where local residents can celebrate special occasions
such as graduations and birthdays.
Their positive impact on the community will be significant.”
State Representative Henry Genga also praised the volunteers, saying:
“The Pollinator Gardens are a jewel of East Hartford
and a great source of pride.”
🎀 A Look at the Opening Ceremony 🎀
Members were thrilled to see the gardens
they had worked so hard to complete finally open.
They also expressed hope that the gardens
would become outdoor classrooms for citizens—a community space
where environmental education and hands-on practice come together.
By providing habitats for diverse species, the gardens help restore and strengthen urban ecosystems.
Through carbon absorption and fine dust reduction, the gardens improve air quality and help mitigate the urban heat island effect.
Serving as tranquil green spaces, the gardens ease stress and promote emotional well-being among residents.
The gardens offer children and youth opportunities to learn firsthand about the importance of protecting nature.
Bees have already begun visiting the newly opened gardens.
As they collect nectar and pollinate plants,
they will play a vital role in restoring the urban ecosystem.
Through the Moms Garden Project, WeLoveU is committed
to creating spaces where humanity and nature can coexist in harmony.
We hope that wherever flowers bloom, bees and butterflies
will continue to gather—so that this beautiful part of everyday life
may endure for generations to come.
Small Steps of Global Citizenship: Awakening Awareness to Care for the Earth
In the face of growing global environmental challenges,
the thought, “It doesn’t matter if it’s just me,” no longer has a place.
To build a sustainable world, it is time for everyone
to care and take action to protect the environment.
Since last year, the International WeLoveU Foundation
(hereinafter referred to as WeLoveU) has been conducting
the “Small Steps of Global Citizenship” program
as part of its global citizenship education.
From May 28 to June 26, the second session of the
“Small Steps of Global Citizenship 2025” program was held twelve times
across six chapters in the Seoul metropolitan area in Korea.
A total of 248 members of various age groups took part, learning about
and reflecting on environmental issues and pledging to put environmental
protection into practice, making it a meaningful and inspiring experience.
Members said they realized how interconnected the world is
and that when everyone, as global citizens,
takes interest in environmental issues, real change can happen.
They also shared that the program helped them see environmental issues
in a new light in their daily lives.
Photos of Small Steps of Global Citizenship
🧶 Yarn Network 🧶
✨The Clean WORLD Movement Emptying the Earth’s Trash Can✨
Members said the most memorable part was a role-play
in which they acted out the situations of residents and animals
living in areas severely affected by waste problems.
“What I once thought was someone else’s problem felt close,
as if it were my own,” they shared.
“I am a cow in India. These days, I mistake trash such as plastic and paper for food and end up eating it, which damages my digestive system. My small wish is to drink a sip of clean water, eat a handful of soft grass, and sleep for even one day in the cool shade.”
“When I eat, there is always trash mixed in with my food, which makes me uncomfortable. I wander freely from place to place, but everywhere is covered with garbage, so I can no longer tell where I am.”
After the activities, members shared, “I came to recognize
environmental problems from a broader perspective,”
and “I reflected on my own lifestyle habits,”
They pledged not to forget what they learned
and to start with small actions to protect the environment.
Participants also expressed hopes for more opportunities
to join the global citizenship education.
“I felt a bit regretful that the group discussion time was short.”
“I hope the program will also be held on holidays.”
“I want more people to take part in this program.”
There are many ways to reduce waste,
but what truly matters is our continuous concern and consistent action.
At the end of the class, members raised their voices together with heartfelt determination:
“The Clean WORLD Movement—Emptying the Earth’s Trash Can, please continue!”
The Small Steps of Global Citizenship,
—our small but meaningful actions for the earth—
will continue into the future.
Planting Hope for the Earth —Starting With a Single Tree!
Each year, the months of March through May highlight global days
dedicated to the Earth: the International Day of Forests (March 21),
Earth Day (April 22), and the International Day for Biological Diversity (May 22).
These observances reflect the world’s shared determination
to protect our planet.
International Day of Forests
Global Significance
Sustainable forest management and awareness of forest value
Earth Day
Global Significance
Global environmental protection, climate crisis response,
and awareness raising
International Day
for Biological Diversity
Global Significance
Ecosystem preservation and biodiversity protection
In celebration of these days, the International WeLoveU Foundation
(hereinafter referred to as WeLoveU) arried out
the Mom’s Garden Project from May 4 to June 25, 2025.
The initiative centered on tree planting as a way to protect nature,
respond to climate change, and secure a brighter tomorrow for all.
In South Korea, the United States, Chile, and Indonesia,
volunteers planted trees in urban areas and forests
while tending gardens by removing weeds and invasive species.
Before the activities, members participated in an educational session
on tree planting and its environmental impact. Afterward, they measured
surface temperatures at the planting sites and nearby areas
to collect data comparing urban heat island effects.
WeLoveU Mom’s Garden in Action
“Air pollution is the greatest environmental threat to public health,
causing seven million premature deaths worldwide every year.”
유엔환경계획(UNEP)
“The global health cost of air pollution exposure
amounts to $8.1 trillion per year.”
World Bank
Trees combat this crisis by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen,
filtering fine dust and pollutants, and regulating air temperature and
humidity, thereby reducing threats to global public health.
In the United States, WeLoveU planted more than 430 trees
across parks and streets in Florida, New York, and Connecticut.
Volunteers also removed weeds and invasive species
and improved soil conditions,
helping reduce urban air pollution and ease the heat island effect.
“Around one million species face extinction, many within decades
. . . threatening the survival of us all.”
UN Biodiversity Report
“We are not masters of nature, but guardians of it.”
Boris Johnson, Former UK Prime Minister
Trees provide essential habitats where species can interact and thrive,
preventing the collapse of food chains and maintaining ecological balance,
thereby sustaining biodiversity.
WeLoveU planted approximately 300 trees in national parks and
nature preserves managed by governments and municipalities,
helping safeguard habitats for species living in the forest.
“The Earth is sending a distress signal.
Pollution from fossil fuels is intensifying climate disruption.”
António Guterres, UN Secretary-General
Trees play a vital role in easing extreme weather,
reducing climate-related disasters,
and retaining soil moisture to prevent desertification.
To strengthen local resilience, WeLoveU planted approximately 600 trees
and groundcover plants along flood-damaged riverbanks and at schools,
reducing disaster risk and improving community environments.
Joining Hands for the Planet
In every participating country, government officials, business leaders,
and citizens worked side by side with WeLoveU members,
planting trees with great effort, pouring out beads of sweat.
“This is my first time taking part in such a volunteer activity, and
I’m happy to contribute to the cause of environmental restoration.”
Sanlan William, Deputy Permanent Representative of Vanuatu to the UN
“Community service through cooperation is crucial because it helps beautify our communities.”
Tanya Garcia, Broker, Keller Williams Realty First in New York
“Together we planted diverse trees to prevent the riverbank from collapsing. We are always ready to work together and promise to manage and sustain the Mom’s Garden.”
Arafat Syam, Camat, Medan Petisah District, Indonesia
“We planted native trees in the national park to conserve biodiversity. It was especially meaningful that young people joined in protecting ecologically important areas. I hope such responsible activities for the environment continue.”
Rogelio Moreira, Administrator, Río Clarillo National Park, Chile
“With WeLoveU members, we planted native plants and trees for ecological restoration. It was a meaningful effort to restore nature so wildlife and insects can once again thrive here.”
Khaleel Anderson, Assembly Member, New York State Assembly
“Thank you for planting trees in honor of the International Day for Biological Diversity. Geonji Forest Kindergarten Center can now truly become a Mom’s Garden where parents and children come together.”
Kim Nam-gyu, Council Member, Jeonju City Council, South Korea
“I sincerely thank you for coming today despite the forecast of rain. The trees we planted will beautify the park and provide habitats for wildlife.”
Don Riepe, Manager, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, U.S.
International organizations including WHO, FAO, WOAH, and UNEP
emphasize through the concept of “One Health”
that humans, animals, and ecosystems
are closely interconnected and interdependent.
The health of people, animals, and the planet’s ecosystems is inseparable.
This underscores the need for global cooperation in addressing
climate change, pandemics, food insecurity, and biodiversity loss.
Every tree planted in the Mom’s Garden Project is a step toward realizing
One Health. Together with partners who share this vision,
WeLoveU will continue planting seeds of hope for a sustainable tomorrow.
May the planted trees grow tall and strong,
offering the gift of a healthier, brighter future for all.
Let’s Empty the Earth’s Trash Bin Together!
WeLoveU members in Korea are taking action
to preserve the Earth’s fragile environment, which continues to deteriorate
due to climate change and excessive waste.
From February 24 to 27, six WeLoveU chapters in the Seoul metropolitan area
hosted educational sessions as part of the “Clean WORLD Movement
to Empty the Earth’s Trash Bin” under the WeLoveU School’s
“Small Steps for Global Citizenship 2025” initiative.
It aims to raise awareness of the waste problem, which impacts the environment,
society, and economy as a whole, and to encourage each individual to take the first
small step—starting with me—by practicing responsible consumption and reducing waste.
Through these efforts, we can address global challenges such as climate change
and threats to ecosystems, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable planet.
Teachers who were trained through WeLoveU’s education program last year,
led these sessions, adding even greater significance to the event.
The session kicked off with an interactive activity titled
“A Single Thread Connecting Us”: Participants threw yarn to one another,
forming an interconnected web. Then, by shaking and letting go of the thread,
they experienced how their actions affected the entire network.
The subsequent lesson focused on the harmful consequences of indiscriminate
waste disposal and its impact on the Earth and future generations.
Recognizing the reality of this global issue
is essential for addressing it as global citizens.
Using educational materials developed by WeLoveU headquarters,
teachers objectively illustrated the consequences of excessive waste
and guided participants in identifying practical solutions.
“The Earth is home to all living creatures—humans, sea life, animals,
and plants—thriving in diverse environments such as oceans,
mountains, fields, sky, wetlands, swamps, and rocks.
To preserve this shared home, we must take responsibility for its care.”
During the session, the participants examined the impact
of indiscriminate waste disposal and empathized with the plight of whales
struggling to survive in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP).
They also voiced the perspectives of residents in waste-affected regions,
deepening their awareness of the issue’s severity.
“I am a whale living in the Pacific Garbage Patch. At first, I was pleased to hear that my home was recognized as a ‘country.’ But soon, I faced a problem —I need to eat a lot to sustain my body, yet the trash humans discard makes it impossible to tell what is food. I wish people would stop polluting my home so I can eat, breathe, and live.”
“Where I live, the climate is hot, so we don’t need many clothes. However, in fashion-driven countries, people buy and discard clothing based on trends, leading to an overflow of textile waste in my region. I wish these unnecessary trends would disappear.”
As they discussed the severity of waste disposal, attendees expressed
their distress over the plight of those affected by excessive waste.
Both teachers and participants unanimously pledged to actively participate
in the Clean WORLD Movement and take meaningful steps to reduce waste.
“To an individual, throwing trash into a bin may seem like the end
of the process—out of sight, out of mind. But from a global perspective,
that trash doesn’t disappear; it simply moves elsewhere.
We must go beyond our personal views
and adopt a global mindset to address this issue.”
Moved by these insights, participants nodded in agreement and made a collective
pledge: “We will actively reduce waste, starting with changes in our daily lives.”
Reflections from Participants
The WeLoveU School’s Small Steps for Global Citizenships will continue
until everyone in the global community unites in protecting our planet.
“One person’s small step contributes to the sustainability of humanity.
Join WeLoveU in striving for a cleaner Earth and a better future for all!”
United Efforts Bring Greater Strength to Communities
On February 23, WeLoveU members in the United States carried out
the Clean WORLD Movement in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Tampa, Florida.
In Philadelphia, the cleanup was carried out in the northeastern region,
where a small aircraft had crashed just weeks earlier, on January 31.
In Tampa, the event marked the one-year anniversary
of WeLoveU’s adoption of Channelside Drive.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Roughly 300 WeLoveU members from nearby areas gathered to uplift
community spirits following the recent plane crash. Volunteers conducted
a large-scale cleanup around the crash site near Roosevelt Shopping Mall,
collecting approximately 4,000 pounds or two tons of garbage
from Roosevelt Boulevard and Bustleton Avenue.
Pennsylvania state representatives joined the initiative to show their support
for recovery efforts in Northeast Philadelphia and expressed their appreciation
to WeLoveU volunteers. Local businesses such as Raising Cane’s,
Pizza Roma, and The Home Depot contributed by donating food and supplies.
Jared Solomon, Pennsylvania State Representative
“I sincerely appreciate the heroic efforts of first responders, residents who helped each other, and volunteers. I also want to thank WeLoveU for spreading heartfelt love in Northeast Philadelphia since 2018. Your presence means everything to us. What message you’re sending is that folks aren’t forgotten.”
Jared Solomon, Pennsylvania State Representative
Anthony Bellmon, Pennsylvania State Representative
“I can’t thank the WeLoveU Foundation enough. It was also just heartbreaking because you knew that this was just not going to be solved in one day. The fact that you guys are here today, weeks after the tragedy struck, to show Northeast Philadelphia some love means the world to the community. Your impact is going to be long lasting, and I can’t wait to see what we do after the cleanup today because like I said, we need y’all to come back.”
Anthony Bellmon, Pennsylvania State Representative
Sean Dougherty, Pennsylvania State Representative
“This tragedy isn’t something that can be resolved overnight. Weeks have passed, yet your continued presence and compassion continue to uplift this community. Today, we witnessed the best of humanity—people from all backgrounds coming together to help. Thank you, WeLoveU.”
Sean Dougherty, Pennsylvania State Representative
Tampa, Florida
In Tampa, 20 members from WeLoveU gathered to mark the one-year
anniversary of adopting Channelside Drive. Over the past year, WeLoveU
has conducted regular cleanups once every one or two months. On this occasion,
they removed broken glass, nails, bottles, cigarette butts, and more,
transforming the area into a safer, cleaner public space.
“I can imagine how dirty this area gets, and it can get overwhelming for the city.
So, seeing that you have an organization here to assist with that is amazing
for the community. Being here for the first time and learning about your
organization was new to me. This made me more intrigued
to learn more and to see how I can even get involved,”
Likecia Luckey, Speech Pathologist
“I love the cleanup happening today. It makes everything even better.
The community loves it and I love it. Everybody should be involved.
If we want our community to be great,
everyone should give a little part to make the world great.”
Jose, Local Resident
Cleaning and maintaining our neighborhoods play a vital role
in strengthening community spirit, preserving the environment,
and ensuring public health and safety. WeLoveU remains
dedicated to continuous service and collaboration
with local communities to create positive, lasting change.
Show Your Love for Neighbors Through Action
As the year drew to a close, WeLoveU members in the United States
and India practiced love for their neighbors
through the Clean WORLD Movement and blood drive.
They ended 2024 meaningfully by cleaning their local communities
and sharing love through blood drives for neighbors in critical need.
Clean WORLD Movement
- November 17 -
- December 22 -
Channelside Drive in Tampa, Florida, connects to Tampa Bay Harbor,
drawing countless tourists each year. WeLoveU members regularly clean
the surrounding area to ensure that both visitors and residents
can enjoy a pleasant and happy experience in a clean environment.
Blood Drive
- November 24 -
In an effort to address the blood shortage in the community,
238 WeLoveU members and citizens from Bhadradri Kothagudem, India,
participated in the 676th worldwide blood drive.
The Kothagudem Government General Hospital
and the Indian Red Cross Society partnered in the event,
with 100 individuals successfully donating blood.
Kunamneni Sambasiva Rao, Member of the Legislative Assembly
from Telangana State, and Rehman, Deputy Superintendent of Police,
attended the event and expressed their gratitude to WeLoveU
Honorary Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah, stating,
“Every life is precious, and donating blood is the same as saving lives.”
WeLoveU will continue its diverse activities to create clean
and beautiful communities while raising awareness of the value of life,
in collaboration with governments and local authorities in each country.
WeLoveU’s neighborly love, demonstrated through action,
will continue in 2025.