Gimhae, South Korea -In a bold move to tackle climate change and build a more livable city, Gimhae has unveiled a sweeping plan to invest 218.6 billion KRW in environmental initiatives throughout 2025. The city’s vision is to transform itself into a leader in sustainability, blending global ambitions with local action to create a greener, more resilient future.
At the heart of this initiative is Gimhae’s push for carbon neutrality. From installing solar panels at key facilities to rolling out electric and hydrogen buses, the city is working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in practical, impactful ways. These efforts go beyond transportation—Gimhae is also adding smart urban greenery, like façade planting and small urban forests, to soak up carbon and make the city a more pleasant place to live.
Waste management is another big focus. The city is modernizing recycling facilities to handle materials more efficiently and is championing the reduction of single-use plastics. Campaigns like encouraging reusable containers and phasing out plastic flowers in public cemeteries might seem small, but they’re part of a bigger push to foster a culture of sustainability. The city wants residents to think of waste not as a problem, but as a resource that can be reused and reintegrated into daily life.
Gimhae isn’t just about protecting nature; it’s also about bringing people closer to it. The city is restoring local rivers, like the Jomangang River, not only to improve water quality but to create spaces where people can connect with their environment. These revitalized rivers are set to become places where biodiversity thrives, and families can enjoy cleaner, greener public spaces.
What makes all of this work is the involvement of the people who live here. Gimhae is making sure its residents are part of the journey. Through workshops, climate education programs, and even contests like the Carbon Neutral Life Practice awards, the city is giving people the tools to take action in their own lives. Over 20,000 citizens have already taken part in climate education programs, and the city plans to reach even more in the coming years.
There’s also a global angle to Gimhae’s plans. The city is working toward earning the prestigious Ramsar Wetland certification, an international recognition awarded to cities that excel in preserving wetlands and promoting their sustainable use. This certification highlights the ecological and cultural value of wetlands, which play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity, purifying water, and mitigating climate change. For Gimhae, achieving this milestone would affirm its dedication to environmental stewardship and reflect the city’s commitment to integrating natural habitats into sustainable urban development.
Wetlands like Hwapo Wetland are at the heart of Gimhae’s efforts. Known for their rich biodiversity and critical role in combating climate challenges, these habitats symbolize the city’s environmental vision. By protecting and restoring these natural treasures, Gimhae not only preserves its ecological heritage but also positions itself as a global leader in sustainable city planning. The Ramsar certification would place Gimhae on the international map as a city that values and prioritizes its natural resources while contributing to worldwide conservation goals.
Mayor Hong sees this as a turning point. “We’re building a city that doesn’t just respond to environmental challenges but leads the way in solving them,” he said. He highlighted the importance of collaboration—between the government, residents, and even businesses—to make this vision a reality.
Gimhae’s efforts reflect a deep understanding that sustainability isn’t just a goal but a way of building a thriving, resilient city. By prioritizing the environment, the city is not only addressing immediate challenges but also creating opportunities for future generations to live in harmony with nature. As these initiatives take shape, Gimhae is proving that local action can have a global impact, setting an inspiring example for cities everywhere.
