“Jeju Island, home to Hallasan Mountain, Gotjawal Forest, Oreum Volcanic Cones, and Coastal caves, is a place of natural wonder and called “a treasure island” by locals. The island has a long history of coexistence of humans with nature. In 2012, At the closing ceremony of the WCC (World Conservation Congress), the “Jeju Declaration” was adopted, a commitment to clean up Jeju Island and keep it sustainable, and serve as a model for environmental protection by 2020. However, it has not lived up to its billing.

In recent years, Jeju Island has had a rapid increase in population, tourism, and development. There have been local policies to promote growth in the local economy through attracting more tourists and building the infrastructure. According to research, the amount of garbage for a day has increased 2 fold over the last 7 years. This directly contradicts the efforts set forth by the Jeju Declaration. The only outcome from these kinds of policies is clear, as the essential problem is what our current systems of capitalism and consumerism yield, which is the destruction of our environment in the name of profits and gains.

Through this project, I want to show the impact of the environmental pollution on Jeju specifically but serve as a message that applies to the world at large. And further, I want to  illustrate what our relationship with nature can be. I want to ask the question of how can humans thrive without destroying our environment?”

This work was shortlisted for the #CreatCOP25, organized by the UN and Art Partner.