Chungcheongnam-do (충청남도) Governor Kim Tae-heum (김태흠), along with mayors and county chiefs, signed two significant agreements during the 4th Chungcheongnam-do Local Government Conference held at Seocheon County Office on the 31st of last month. The agreements were aimed at ensuring the successful hosting of the 2023 Great Beakje Festival (2023 대백제전), promoting the elimination of plastic in public institutions, and encouraging widespread participation from citizens.
The Great Beakje Festival is the largest historical and cultural event in the central region, dedicated to preserving traditional culture and promoting Baekje cultural heritage worldwide. This year's event, themed 'Connecting with the World through Baekje Cultural', will take place from September 23rd to October 9th, spanning 17 days in the regions of Gongju City and Buyeo County.
Under these agreements, the provincial and local authorities will collaborate on various activities to ensure the successful hosting of the festival. These activities include proactive promotion, participation in cultural and artistic performances such as 'Hanadoeneun Chungnam' (Harmonious Chungcheongnam), and support for the development and promotion of tourism products related to Baekje Cultural.
To achieve the goal of reducing plastic waste and spreading eco-friendly practices among the public, the provincial and local governments will implement several measures. These measures include banning the use of single-use items in government buildings, obligating the use of reusable containers, and discouraging the use of plastic bottles for drinking water and beverages. Moreover, they will encourage the transition to exclusively using reusable cups in coffee shops within government premises, promote participation from nearby coffee shops and restaurants in the effort to reduce single-use items and prohibit the provision of single-use items at public institutions, funeral halls, cinemas, sports stadiums, and festival venues, aiming to transform these events into 'zero-single-use-item' gatherings.
In addition, an intensive publicity campaign and on-site guidance will be carried out to raise awareness about plastic reduction initiatives. Voluntary agreements and compliance with the regulations will be encouraged among various stakeholders, and campaigns like designating the 10th of each month as the 'No Single-Use Item Day' will be implemented. Extensive promotion and educational efforts will be made to encourage citizen participation in plastic waste reduction.
Governor Kim also expressed his request for cooperation from the local authorities to address the issue of relative exclusion experienced by those who served in the military. To resolve the regional disparities in the honorarium for veterans, the governor plans to raise the honorarium to 400,000 won by combining the provincial and local budget until next year.
Governor Kim emphasized that the topics discussed at the conference were tasks that require support and cooperation from the local authorities. He called for collective efforts to raise fairness and responsibility in the Chungcheongnam-do region by addressing the gap in honorariums for veterans. He also highlighted that the recently signed agreements, including the promotion of smart agriculture, the successful hosting of Daebackjejeon, and the shift away from single-use plastic in public institutions, should serve as a stepping stone for the entire province to move forward together with the spirit of "progressing further together".
Governor Kim further emphasized the government's role in swiftly restoring damages caused by concentrated heavy rains and ensuring that citizens can quickly return to their normal lives. He urged the local authorities to provide strong support for residents affected by natural disasters, beyond assistance from the central government, to help them regain their daily lives promptly.
These agreements mark a significant step towards preserving cultural heritage and promoting sustainability in Chungcheongnam-do. The success of the '2023 Great Beakje Festival' and the commitment to reduce plastic waste not only reflect the region's dedication to tradition and the environment but also showcase the power of collective efforts in achieving common goals. As citizens and government work hand in hand, the vision of "Connecting with the World through Baekje Cultural" is within reach, fostering harmony and unity in the heart of the central region.
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