Earth Day Online Discussion #USA

On April 24, 2021, the International Association of Youth and Students for Peace USA hosted an Online Youth Discussion, with Dr. Seung-Ho Lee, to celebrate International Mother Earth Day. Dr. Seung-Ho Lee spoke on the work he was doing in North Korea with reforestation and at the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) to support the conservation of the unique biological and cultural resources in the area. He spoke at length regarding the great outcomes that can be achieved by investing in this area and how this relates to the unification of North and South Korea.

Dr. Lee, who has a Ph.D. degree in Political Science, is an expert in Environmental Management, Critical Thinking in Governance and Education, and U.S. Federalism and International Relations. He began a reforestation project in North Korea motivated by his firsthand account for its dire need, both for the environment and the people. As a result of severe deforestation of mountains, flooding and landslides have negatively impacted many provinces in North Korea.

Working with the North Korean government and people, Dr. Lee shared how the project has been growing, with creative planting techniques being implemented and many tree nurseries being developed across the country.

The success of reforesting the mountains is high as South Korea has already modelled an effective method and seen flourishing results.
At the end of the presentation, the two moderators, Miilhan Stephens, IAYSP USA President; and Naria Gaarder, National Program Coordinator; followed with questions from the viewers, as well as some of their own. Dr. Seung-Ho Lee graciously and thoroughly answered any questions he was given, and everyone in attendance gained valuable insight and knowledge into the conservation of the DMZ area.