South Korean tobacco company KT&G has announced plans to extend its environmental initiative, the “Forest of Imagination,” to Argalant, Mongolia. Building on previous afforestation projects in Ulaanbaatar, the company aims to plant 10,000 Ulmus pumila trees, known for their adaptability to harsh climates.
The project, managed through the Mongolian Agricultural Education Center under the KT&G Welfare Foundation, will also establish an irrigation system to support sustainable forest development. Local residents will be trained and employed for tree planting and maintenance, fostering long-term environmental management and community participation.
Funding for the project comes from KT&G’s “Imagination Fund,” a matching grant initiative where employees contribute a portion of their salaries, with the company matching the amount. This approach reflects KT&G’s commitment to global citizenship and social responsibility.
A KT&G Welfare Foundation representative stated that the project aligns with the company’s commitment to addressing climate change and supporting local ecosystems. As part of its broader sustainability strategy, KT&G has also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization to support forest conservation across Asia.
In addition to the Mongolian project, the partnership will focus on reforestation efforts in Kazakhstan’s fire-affected Abai region and mangrove restoration initiatives in Indonesia, further emphasizing KT&G’s dedication to environmental stewardship in the region.
-Korea Herald
