ASEZ WAO’s Conference with the Vice Minister of Environment of Peru

On September 8, members of ASEZ WAO (Young Adult Workers Volunteer Group of the World Mission Society Church of God) in the Seoul metropolitan area held a meeting with the Vice Minister of the Environment of Peru at the Church of God in Mapo, Seoul. Vice Minister Edgar Romero, who had come to Korea to attend the “Seminar on Integrated Water and Waste Policies and Technologies of Latin American Countries,” made his first official stop to meet ASEZ WAO members. Just a week earlier, Vice Minister Romero had participated in ASEZ WAO’s “Mother’s Forest” project held in La Molina, Lima, Peru, where he highly praised the volunteers’ passion and commitment. Expressing his desire to meet the Korean members as well, this meeting was arranged.

When Vice Minister Romero arrived at the Mapo Church after a long flight, ASEZ WAO President Kim Yong-gap and members warmly greeted him with welcome signs and bouquets. The Vice Minister smiled and greeted them in Korean, saying, “Annyeonghaseyo (Hello).” The meeting, attended by about 110 ASEZ WAO activists from the Seoul area, was held under the slogan “One Step Toward Blue Ocean.”

The first presentation was delivered by Lee Hye-joo (Incheon), an ASEZ WAO activist, under the theme “The Journey ASEZ WAO and Peru Have Walked Together.” She introduced ASEZ WAO’s collaboration with the Peruvian Ministry of Environment, which began in May 2023 with a meeting with the Minister. Since then, the group has actively carried out environmental initiatives across Peru—such as the “Mother’s Forest” and “Green Earth” projects—to protect terrestrial ecosystems. She went on to stress the growing need for the “Blue Ocean” project, which focuses on marine ecosystem conservation, and proposed future directions for joint environmental efforts in Peru.

Taking the podium, Vice Minister Romero began his speech by saying, “Let’s all hold our breath for a moment.” With this, he reminded everyone of the importance of air—symbolizing the Earth’s environment and natural resources. He then addressed the harsh reality of the global climate crisis, mentioning tropicalization, wildfires, and other worsening environmental problems. Emphasizing the finite nature of natural resources, he proposed solutions such as a circular economy¹ and resource conservation as sustainable alternatives. Concluding his remarks, he praised ASEZ WAO’s efforts for future generations, saying: “If we want to live long on this planet, we must change people’s thoughts and actions. If you set the example first, more and more people will join in.”

1. Circular economy: An industrial system that maximizes resource use through recycling and reuse for as long as possible.

During the Q&A session, members asked about environmental initiatives in Peru. Vice Minister Romero replied that there are many opportunities for collaboration between government agencies and organizations like ASEZ WAO, expressing his hope for continued partnership. Even after the meeting, he emphasized: “ASEZ WAO’s activities are highly influential—they create cultural change and raise public awareness. I am confident that you will inspire more people and change the environment, helping to build a healthier planet.”

Oh Yeong-ju, a member from Seoul, shared her thoughts after the event:

“I realized that when many people unite, even more will become interested and join in environmental protection. Whenever I have the chance, I’ll actively participate in efforts to combat climate change.”