ESG Now

The Profound Impact Caused by the Loss of a Single Flower, Hyosung’s RE:GEN GUARDIAN

Recently, we have continued encountering news that numerous species face extinction due to natural or anthropogenic threats. The reason we need to pay attention to these endangered species is that as more diverse species face the threat of extinction, our Earth is also threatened. If even one of the many species disappears, a crack forms in the cycle of Earth, which can disrupt the balance of the ecosystem.

Hyosung deeply empathetic for the biodiversity crisis and committed to safeguarding and restoring habitats to preserve Earth’s rich tapestry of life. The mission of Hyosung as a RE:GEN GUARDIAN includes maintaining the delicate balance of our ecosystem and the intricate web of interactions that enable humans and diverse species to coexist harmoniously. Our first project under Hyosung's RE:GEN GUARDIAN initiative is to conserve marine forest to ensure Earth's equilibrium. Further, we will explore Hyosung's tireless efforts to promote biodiversity.

Biodiversity: The Critical Keyword Preventing a Worldwide Crisis.

The term biodiversity refers to the diversity of all species living on Earth, the diversity of the ecosystems in which they live, or the diversity of genes possessed by organisms. Biodiversity has a positive effect on the planet and humanity as long as it is preserved. A forest of many plant species absorbs carbon dioxide produced on Earth, and 70% of the oxygen produced globally comes from seagrasses. In addition, more than 80% of human antibiotics and anticancer drugs are derived from natural sources. Different organisms on Earth are interconnected, helping each other and maintaining the balance of the Earth's ecosystem.

Based in data collected from 1970 to 2018, the 'Global Living Planet Index' indicated that 69% of wildlife populations have disappeared in about 50 years. 'Conservation of species diversity' has become essential in protecting the Earth and the environment. The brand’s mission is to create an ecosystem where future generations and all organisms can live harmoniously by conserving environmental biodiversity. Hyosung considers 'biodiversity' to be an essential element that we need to perform naturally and a mission that should be pursued by all of us. Hyosung has launched RE:GEN GUARDIAN to protect the coexistence of humans and the Earth's ecosystem,

For the Harmonious Coexistence of All Species, RE:GEN GUARDIAN

Four cornerstone values are the foundation of RE:GEN GUARDIAN. First, there is an increase in awareness about the right of all species to exist. Our mission is to provide a greater understanding to  the world that life forms do not exist solely to satisfy human needs. Instead, they have a right to live due to their existence. Secondly, a sense of responsibility for improving the environment for all species. The industrial activities of humans have resulted in the extinction and endangerment of certain species. We are responsible for restoring and safeguarding biodiversity, enabling lifeforms to defend themselves. Thirdly, coexistence conducive to mutual prosperity. All species contribute to a balanced cycle on Earth. The absence of single interconnected species disrupts the equilibrium of nature, just as flowers cannot pollinate without bees. Lastly, improvement through action. Environmental issues will persist as long as these three principles are cherished as values. Our environmental requires substantial, tangible, and daring actions.

Based on these four core values, RE:GEN GUARDIAN sets out to go beyond simple environmental conservation activities that rely on ESG scores to protect the environment based on ESG’s fundamental principles. Usually, scores are assigned to ESG management. More than 300 global evaluation criteria were developed by renowned assessors and financial information companies. While these scores can help assess a company's ESG activities, RE:GEN GUARDIAN’s primary mission is to ensure that species are not merely tools for human use. Our goal, instead, is to protect the environment in such way as to ensure that every living creature has the opportunity to enjoys its rights as a lifeform. 'improvement through action' is the focus of RE:GEN GUARDIAN. Within the RE:GEN GUARDIAN project, we will examine Hyosung's environmental initiatives, beginning with their emblematic initiative to preserve marine forest. 

The RE:GEN GUARDIAN Project: A Showcase of Environmental Initiatives through Marine Forest Preservation and Ocean Arbor Day

The flagship eco-friendly initiative of the RE:GEN GUARDIAN project is marine forest preservation. To achieve this goal, Hyosung has focused on a marine species known as Sea grass(Zostera Marina), which represents blue carbon. Under the Marine Ecosystem Act, sea grass is listed as a legally protected species requiring attention by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). A major contributor to climate change is greenhouse gases. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has recognized blue carbon as a means to reducing greenhouse gases. Based on the IPCC's Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate (2019), 'mangrove forests, salt marshes, and marine forest' have received international certification as blue carbon. Considering this, it is evident why Hyosung selected marine forest conservation as its first eco-friendly initiative under the RE:GEN GUARDIAN project.

The marine forest conservation activities of RE:GEN GUARDIAN consist of a process that creates a marine forest over a year and manages it for three years. Sea grass is harvested and transplanted directly into target regions to create new marine forest. In addition to periodic monitoring and impact assessments, additional planting is also performed in areas where there has been loss of sea grass or its condition has deteriorated. RE:GEN GUARDIAN has achieved success with its marine forest creation initiative. Compared to pre-establishment period, benthic animal species (animals living at the bottom of the sea, marshes, rivers, lakes, etc.) increased 2.5 times, species richness increased 1.5 times, and the biodiversity index increased by 1.2 times. By conserving marine forest, Hyosung has enhanced marine biodiversity.

In recognition of the growing importance of marine plants in eco-friendly initiatives, May 10th has been designated Ocean Arbor Day in Korea. The purpose of this day is to plant marine plants in the ocean to revitalize our oceans, which are becoming increasingly desertified. The '11th Ocean Arbor Day Commemoration' was held at the Jeju International Convention Center on 10th of October.  Hyosung Group and Hyundai Motors pledged to lead the expansion of marine forest during this ceremony. According to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, this is the first time private companies have participated in the creation of marine forest. Creating marine forest is an activity that generates both blue carbon and biodiversity, making this and important initiative that warrants a legal commemorative day. Hyosung’s commitment to marine forest is exemplified by its legal commemorative day.

While many environmental conservation activities are focus on the future, biodiversity embodies a long-term perspective. Hyosung recognizes the profound significance that even the most obscure creature or a fleeting glimpse of a flower contributes to the intricate web of life. As a flagship activity of the RE:GEN GUARDIAN project, preserving marine forest has contributed significantly to raising awareness of the importance of blue carbon and biodiversity. As a company that believes that real responsibility comes from actions, Hyosung continues to take steps that connect the web of life, leading the way in managing ESG issues.