Mountain lovers tie preserving nature to economy

At a time when the ongoing economic crisis tops the list of things people talk about, one group of expats in Korea wants to draw public attention to mountain protection.

Natural preservation, they say, has a profound influence on the economy.

The Korean Mountain Preservation League, a gathering of naturalists from all over the world and Korea-based expats with mountain expertise, are hosting an international mountain day seminar on Dec.7 near Mount Bukhan in Seoul.

The seminar includes a viewing of the BBC’s documentary series, “Planet Earth,” along with lectures and presentations geared toward “raising awareness of the importance mountain environments have on global ecology and human culture.”

“The basis of the economy is always ecology,” said Shawn Morrissey, a Canadian who founded and has headed the KMPL. “People make note that eco, for economy, and eco for ecology, are based on the same Latin word, which means house. Everything that moves the economy comes from ecology.”

The annual seminar has been held since last year in commemoration of the United Nations International Mountain Day that falls on Dec. 11.

Morrissey said at least 50 people - a fourth of whom are Koreans - will participate in this year’s event.

Among the lecturers are Korean central and municipal government officials, David Mason and Kong Woo-seok, both professors at Kyung Hee University. Sanshin-jae, a traditional mountain-spirit worship ceremony, will also be held at the event.

By Moon Gwang-lip Staff Reporter [joe@joongang.co.kr]