Celebrating Earth Day With the ‘Mom’s Garden Project’
In celebration of Earth Day (April 22), the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation
(hereinafter referred to as WeLoveU ) launched the “Mom’s Garden Project“
from April 8 to May 31, aiming to protect the beautiful global environment
and create clean, safe local spaces.
A total of 9,962 trees and flowers were planted in Rep. of Korea
(hereinafter referred to as Korea), the U.S., Australia, Ukraine,
and the Philippines, selecting species suitable for each region.
Additional tree planting projects are planned in several other countries,
considering factors like weather and environment.
🌳 Korea 🌳
Tree Planting at Dongrak Park in Gumi
Trees help absorb carbon dioxide and contribute to carbon neutrality.
In order to reduce greenhouse gases and beautify the urban landscape,
members from Gumi and Chilgok planted 70 flowering peaches
and cornus officinalis at Dongrak Park in Gumi.
Tree Planting at Masan Sculpture Park in Changwon
Members from Changwon and Haman planted 3,000 flowering trees
such as azaleas and rhododendrons in vacant flowerbeds
at Masan Sculpture Park. The Southern Gyeongnam Chapter members
and Masanhappo District Municipality pledged to cooperate
in creating urban forests through the “Mom’s Garden Project.”
Flower Bulb Planting at Suyang Park in Sacheon
To preserve the ecological environment of Suyang Park,
located within the Sacheon Town Walls, WeLoveU planted
5,000 Magic Lily bulbs in cooperation with Sacheon Town.
Tree Planting at Jungnangche Athletic Park 2 in Seoul
Forty mature Lagerstroemia Indica trees, each 3 meters tall and known
for their beautiful flowers and excellent carbon absorption, were planted.
Tree Planting at Citizen Family Park in Nonsan
At Nonsan Family Park, 391 shrubs were planted,
including roses and golden euonymus, which are known for their beautiful
leaves and flowers as well as their excellent ability to absorb fine dust.
🌳 Australia 🌳
Tree Planting at Cattana Wetlands in Cairns
In order to protect Cattana Wetlands, where various native plants thrive,
WeLoveU planted 400 native Australian plants, including lemon eucalyptus.
🌳 U.S. 🌳
Tree Planting at E.A.R.T.H. Center in North Brunswick, NJ
WeLoveU members, SHI, and volunteers
from the Black Culture Collective, removed weeds and planted
1,000 sunflower seeds, which are known for their soil-purifying properties,
in the garden of the E.A.R.T.H. Center.
🌳 Ukraine 🌳
Tree Planting on Volodymyrska Hill in Kyiv
To maintain the pleasant green environment of Volodymyrska Hill Park,
popular among citizens and tourists, WeLoveU planted 11 mature
platanus orientalis (3 meters tall), known for their resilience to air pollution.
The Shevchenko District Office of Kyiv presented WeLoveU
with a plaque of appreciation.
🌳 Philippines 🌳
Tree Planting at Forest Path in Macabud Barangay, Rodriguez
In order to prevent landslides during floods and support local residents,
50 fruit-bearing trees, such as mangoes, were planted along the forest path.
“Our goal is to encourage citizens to plant native plants in their own gardens.
We will continue to assist more people in cultivating native plant gardens.”
“The urban forest is expected to provide a valuable space for local residents
to rest and take walks. We will continue to implement urban forest creation
projects to ensure that residents have pleasant spaces
where they can enjoy nature in comfort.”
WeLoveU will create a path where humanity and nature coexist in harmony,
ensuring a beautiful and sustainable environment
through the Mom’s Garden Project.
A Pleasant Retreat, a Healthy Life
Parks provide relaxation and recreation while also serving as health facilities
that promote well-being. The trees in parks enhance air quality,
alleviate the urban heat island effect, and reduce stress, benefiting
both the mind and body. As a result, caring for parks
greatly improves the quality of life for local residents.
At the end of May, 2024, WeLoveU members carried out
the Clean World Movement in public parks across the United States, Zimbabwe, and Singapore to foster a comfortable and healthy environment for citizens.
Around 230 participants collected about 600 kg (1,322.77 lbs) of waste.
May 24
May 26
In the United States, employees of the global e-commerce company
Amazon joined the Clean WORLD Movement.
Since partnering with the East Coast chapter of WeLoveU three years ago,
Amazon employees have consistently participated in various activities.
WeLoveU will persist in promoting the Clean WORLD Movement worldwide,
working toward the healthy lives of our neighbors.
Are the Trees Growing Well?
Just as planting trees is important, nurturing them with love and care
is equally essential. It’s crucial to monitor whether they have enough water,
if they’ve been damaged by disasters or insects, if they’ve been harmed
by animals or people, and whether they bloom and bear fruit in due time.
By paying close attention to their growth conditions, we can ensure that the
trees grow healthily, enhancing the beauty and prosperity of the community.
Throughout April, WeLoveU conducted monitoring to check the growth
of trees planted during last year’s “Mom’s Garden Project” Members
from the Republic of Korea, Kenya, and Nepal, along with local municipal
officials, visited the planting sites to assess the trees’ conditions,
remove weeds, and carry out maintenance on the facilities
Shall we take a look at WeLoveU’s “Mom’s Garden”
monitoring sites through photos?
Korea
Mount Beombawi in Bucheon
Planting Date: April 12, 2023
Survival Rate: 90%
The management condition was good, resulting in a high survival rate1.
WeLoveU decided to continue regular weed removal
and pest prevention measures.
1 The ratio of successfully living plants
among those that were transplanted or grafted.
West Welfare Center Forest Garden in Pyeongtaek
Planting Date: April 26, 2023
Survival Rate: 80%
WeLoveU replanted the dead trees
and cleaned up the surrounding area, including the facilities.
Hope Park in Ulsan
Planting Date: April 26, 2023
Survival Rate: 95%
The local government has continuously managed them,
resulting in nearly all of them surviving.
Citizen Park Road in Busan
Planting Date: May 11, 2023
Survival Rate: 60%
The flowering trees did not take root deeply due to the many stones in the soil,
causing them to dry out. We decided to replant some of them in the fall.
Mount Seunghak in Busan
Planting Date: April 27, 2023
Survival Rate: 99%
The local government managed them systematically,
resulting in a high survival rate.
Natural Forest Play Park in Incheon
Planting Date: April 20, 2023
Survival Rate: 65%
The trees are not growing well because of a lack of care.
Nepal
Chandragiri TikTok Selfie Park (also known as Mahadevthan New Park)
Planting Date: April 26, 2023
Survival Rate: 80%
Due to the dry weather, the trees have dried out,
so it was decided to water them more frequently.
Kenya
Uplands Forest in Kiambu
Planting Date: May 31, 2023
Survival Rate: 60%
While residents were farming in the area, a few trees were
accidentally uprooted. All resident were reminded
to exercise caution to avoid damaging the trees.
Kangemi MeMorial Recreation Park in Nairobi
Planting Date: October 31–November 1, 2023
Survival Rate: 80%
The local government was requested to remove weeds
and provide regular maintenance.
WeLoveU plans to continuously monitor the trees to ensure they grow well.
We hope the trees grow healthy and tall, providing a shelter for residents
and making the community greener and more beautiful.
Care for the Community and Save the Earth
Celebrating Earth Day (April 22), WeLoveU members in Korea, U.S., and Peru,
carried out the Clean WORLD Movement on the streets, parks, streams,
and wetlands of downtown areas from April 17 to 28.
Total 398 members took care of the local environment and collected nearly
six metric tons of trash, working hard to save the global environment.
The Clean WORLD Movement✨ A Closer Look
“Welcome! Everyone in the WeLoveU’s Clean WORLD Movement!”
Raking up fallen leaves and debris to gather🍂
Sweeping the messy streets to clean🧹
Carefully inspecting bushes and reed fields to pick up
hidden waste and litter without leaving anything behind✌
Carrying the collected trash together as a team💪
Separating♻ recyclables from disposables for proper disposal
completes the WeLoveU Clean WORLD Movement✨
“It is an honor to have WeLoveU volunteers in Harambee Park.
Your service is invaluable to our community.”
Russell Holmes, Massachusetts State Representative, U.S.
WeLoveU will continue to carry out the Clean WORLD Movement
for a beautiful global environment where mankind and nature live together.
Let’s join the Clean WORLD Movement that takes care
of the local environment and saves the global environment!
Let’s Work Together for a Better Future
Iraq, located between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, boasts fertile soil
as the cradle of ancient Mesopotamian civilization.
However, recent climate change has significantly reduced rainfall in the river basins,
slowing their flow and leading to challenges in water and food supply.
and food supply and
vulnerable to extreme temperatures
(Out of 163 countries)
Iraqi government is establishing a national climate change adaptation plan
to protect children from the impacts of climate change,
ensure disaster management for vulnerable populations,
prevent desertification, and conserve biodiversity.
Considering the impact of environmental issues on healthcare,
WeLoveU has cooperated consistently with the United Iraqi Medical Society
(UIMS) to launch the “Iraq Goes Green” campaign.
September to November last year, environmental awareness campaigns
were conducted at five major universities in Baghdad
to promote environmental consciousness.
On September 29, starting with an opening ceremony and street cleanup, until November 1,
various universities held conferences on climate crisis response and environmental
conservation to raise environmental awareness among young intellectuals.
Volunteers gifted reusable tumblers and eco-bags
to the students and citizens who participated in the campaignS,
encouraging them to reduce disposable items and plastic usage.
“Thank You for Supporting the Environmental Campaign.”
On February 21, the UIMS celebrated the successful conclusion
of their environmental campaign. They sent photos of the conferences held
at five universities and shared campaign-related news posted on social media with WeLoveU.
The campaign-related posts received over 150 million views,
indicating a strong response from Iraqi citizens.
A video of an opening speech by Naseer Shamma, a famous Iraqi musician
and the goodwill ambassador of the World Health Organization and of the International
Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, also gained attention.
He expressed his support by saying, “The environmental campaign in Baghdad
will continue for a sustainable earth.”
On March 27, Ahmed M. Alheety, President of the UIMS,
expressed his gratitude through a video message.
“Iraq is significantly impacted by climate change. With the generous support of the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation, we launched the “Iraq Goes Green” campaign near the Tigris River, involving officials from the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Education, and other government departments.
We expanded the campaign to five universities to raise environmental awareness among young people, who are our future. Thanks to WeLoveU’s warm support, we have been able to help the Iraqi people in difficult times. We hope to continue our cooperation with Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah of WeLoveU on this environmental campaign. Thank you so much.”
WeLoveU will continue to work closely with organizations around the world
to protect the lives and homes of our global neighbors
by focusing on environmental conservation. Our partnership
with the UIMS will also continue in the future.
A Clean Environment Improves the Quality of Life for Our Neighbors
Do you know the “Broken Windows Theory”?
It suggests that if a broken window is left unrepaired,
crime will spread around that area,
demonstrating that neglecting minor issues can lead to bigger problems.
This park was probably clean and beautiful when it was first created.
However, as more and more trash was left unattended, it became what it is today.
To create a clean and safe local environment by removing neglected trash,
WeLoveU launched the Clean WORLD Movement welcoming the New Year.
In January and February, over 500 WeLoveU members cleaned streets, parks, and beaches
in Hong Kong, the United States, Peru, and Australia, collecting over 6 metric tons of trash.
January 14
February 22
February 25
Theresa, WeLoveU Member From Australia
“I invited my cousin from Brisbane to join the Clean WORLD Movement. I am really happy to participate with my children and my cousin Alex, and it feels great to do something for the community.”
Theresa, WeLoveU Member From Australia
A clean environment helps reduce stress and prevent crime.
Through the ongoing Clean WORLD Movement, WeLoveU aims to improve
the quality of life for our neighbors and create a beautiful and healthy society.
End the Year Meaningfully by Volunteering
The Intl. WeLoveU Foundation, led by Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah,
concluded the year meaningfully by conducting the Clean WORLD Movement
and blood drives in November and December.
They cleaned streets, parks, and other locations in Rep. of Korea, the United States,
Peru, Nepal, India, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, sharing the warmth of love
of a mother with neighbors through blood donations to save lives.
(6 times)
Scenes of ‘Love Your Neighbors’ Through Photos
“I’m delighted to receive WeLoveU’s support and encouragement.
Thanks to all of you who have volunteered diligently, we have
achieved so much. I sincerely thank each and every one of you.”
Emily Surmont, Spokesperson of the Indian River Lagoon Aquatic Preserves in Titusville, FL, U.S.
WeLoveU consistently carries out the Clean WORLD Movement
and Blood Drive in various locations, aiming to preserve the global environment
and protect the precious lives of our global family.
Make the Park Beautiful by Planting Trees
In the Pezzutti Park in Cairns, Queensland, Australia,
WeLoveU members are digging the soil diligently and planting saplings.
With the eager participation of children, young trees have been delicately planted
in the gaps between the larger trees, adding to the park’s beauty.
🌳 How to Plant Saplings 🌳
The members had high hopes that the young trees would thrive, enhancing the beauty of Pezzutti Park, which serves as a resting place for many citizens.
P.S.
On December 10, WeLoveU members in Cairns
planted 200 saplings on the Pezzutti Park within the community.
This activity was a part of the Mom’s Garden Project
and was graciously sponsored by the Cairns Regional Council.
“Earth, Please Don’t Be Ill”
533 children from WeLoveU member families displayed their talents in an environmental
art competition, the 1st Global Children’s Environmental Art Competition
organized by the media company Chosun News Press.
The competition was conducted online from November 1 to 12.
The artworks beautifully encapsulated children’s thoughts and concerns
about the environment and nature. What does the Earth look like
in the eyes of children? Let’s explore in the drawings.
🎨 I Like Fresh and Beautiful Nature 🎨
“The animals welcome us
as we keep the Earth clean.”
“I like a world where owls peacefully
perch and enjoy the beauty of nature.”
“I love forests. I wish forests were
always beautiful and clean.”
“I enjoy watching the beautiful stars in the forest, which are hard to see in the city.”
“A space where city dwellers
can relieve stress.”
“Only fresh nature
can be put in the basket.”
🎨 The Earth Changing With Effort 🎨
“Polar bears are losing their families due to environmental destruction and have nowhere to live. Which Earth do you want to live on, an ill Earth or a happy Earth? I choose the happy Earth!”
“Earth is ill from car exhaust fumes.
Let’s plant more trees
to make a pleasant Earth.”
“Animals and plants on Earth
suffer from environmental pollution.
Let’s start with small actions
to protect the Earth.”
“A preserved environment has life,
while an unpreserved environment has none.”
🎨 Earth Is Ill 🎨
“We must protect the environment
without polluting it.”
“When radioactive waste is dumped into the sea, a two-headed mutant turtle sheds tears.”
“Burning land, air full of smoke, extreme weather like heavy rain, hail, and droughts! Animals and plants are getting sick and disappearing due to climate change.”
“Due to rising temperatures, polar bears,
fish, and trees are disappearing,
and the Earth is gradually vanishing.”
“The monkey longs for the old days
when there were many trees.”
“Let’s embrace Earth, which is sick
from environmental pollution.”
🎨 Take Care of the Environment, and Love Nature 🎨
“Let’s make the world clean with Mother’s love.”
“Let’s beautifully nurture the Earth
we will live together on.”
“This is how we protect the Earth
and keep it clean!”
“We must save the trees that clean the air
so that we can live.”
🎨 Let’s Open the Bright Future Together with a Green Earth! 🎨
On November 26, the award ceremony for the Environmental Art Competition
was held at the K-POP Tower Exhibition Hall within N Seoul Tower.
Among more than 3,500 participants from both domestic and international locations,
a total of 218 children were awarded prizes, including the Environment Minister Award,
Education Minister Award, Seoul Mayor Award, Gold Prize (including awards from
Intl. WeLoveU Foundation), Silver Prize, Bronze Prize, and Honorable Mention.
WeLoveU members’ children also received awards: 1 Gold Prize, 3 Silver Prizes,
14 Bronze Prizes, 20 Honorable Mentions, and 45 participants recognized
with Special Mention awards, totaling 83 recipients. Chairman of the Board Kim Joong-rak
from WeLoveU participated as a presenter for the Gold Prize category,
extending congratulations and encouragement.
“I was extremely happy to hear about winning the Gold Prize. I bought a sketchbook and crayons and completed the drawing in two days. People are using too much plastic, causing the Earth to become hotter. There are holes in the ozone layer as well. There is also a lot of plastic waste flowing into the ocean. I think it is a serious problem. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to think about the environment.”
“Earth is filled with factories. There are many factories near my grandmother’s house, so the air is hazy and bad. The space is also polluted because there is more trash than stars. Thinking that the environment will gradually improve, I drew Earth that is imagining its improvement. From now on, I shouldn’t throw trash anywhere.”
“My child has been very concerned about the environment lately. Perhaps it’s because she and I participate in the WeLoveU’s Clean WORLD Movement together and because she receives environmental education at school. She often remind me of sorting out the recycling thoroughly and avoid using plastic. She even drew a picture about how the Earth will suffer a lot because of ocean garbage, and how we cannot live happily if the Earth is sick. My child was very happy to receive the award.”
“It seems like the children understand why they should draw pictures on this topic since it’s an environmental art competition. I believe it is an educational competition of great value. I was amazed by the children’s great interest in the environment, and I felt that the Earth’s future environment would be much improved. The winning works were selected, purely based on the students’ efforts. The artworks from overseas children, who feel the environment like family, felt very pure. Their sincerity in expressing their feelings about the environment was commendable. Vishmitha, who received the Gold Prize, particularly scored high in this aspect.”
The award-winning works were exhibited for three days following the award
ceremony, highlighting the significance of environmental conservation
as depicted by children’s innocence to the public.
In this year’s competition, the title “Sick Earth” was particularly prevalent
among the entries. It seems like the voices of children saying, “Earth, please don’t be ill!”
are echoing, expressing concern for a planet suffering from environmental issues.
Drawing a world where nature and humanity coexist,
WeLoveU will continue its efforts
to fulfill the wishes of children who dream of a healthy Earth.