Action for the Environment: Shincheonji Volunteers Resolve Local Ecological and Urban Issues

Addressing Practical Environmental Needs in Local Communities

Environmental preservation is most effective when it directly addresses the specific vulnerabilities of a local area. Rather than conducting generic cleanups, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group focuses on practical, site-specific issues—whether resolving urban infrastructure blockages or restoring local aquatic ecosystems. In late May, the Yeonsu and Goyang Branches executed targeted environmental purification initiatives designed to improve public safety and foster ecological awareness among residents.

Yeonsu (Incheon): Preventing Flood Risks by Clearing Roadside Rainwater Grates

On May 24th, the Yeonsu Branch conducted a targeted infrastructure cleanup in Okryeon-dong, Incheon, focusing entirely on chronic water-pooling sectors to prevent potential urban flooding ahead of the upcoming rainy season.

• Infrastructure Maintenance: Blocked rainwater grates are a primary cause of sewage backflow and street flooding. Recognizing this hazard, 15 volunteers manually lifted the heavy metal covers of roadside grates to inspect internal blockages.

• Debris Extraction: The team thoroughly extracted accumulated soil, fallen leaves, cigarette butts, and domestic waste trapped inside the drainage structures. Volunteer Shin Woo-ri (52) noted, "The grates were heavily packed with mud and debris. Clearing them in advance is critical to ensuring unobstructed water flow."

Goyang: Citizens and Local Networks Unite for the "Nature, Be Green!" Campaign

Earlier, on May 22nd, the Goyang Branch executed its signature environmental program, "Nature, Be Green!" (Jayeon-ah Pureuja), along the Changneungcheon Stream. This initiative was specifically designed to address recent public concerns regarding water degradation and algal blooms in the heavily trafficked riverfront.

• Civic Cleanups: Over 30 volunteers dedicated three and a half hours to traversing the riverbanks, collecting 220 liters of discarded municipal waste to preserve the local walking and resting space.

• Public Engagement via EM Mudballs: To improve water quality, volunteers set up an interactive booth where passing citizens directly participated in making Effective Microorganism (EM) mudballs, which naturally dissolve to purify water and suppress algae. A resident reflected after the experience, "I used to expectorate carelessly near the river, but making these mudballs with the volunteers made me self-reflect. I feel proud to finally contribute to the river's restoration."

• Institutional Collaboration: The operation was formally recognized and supported by the Changneungcheon River System Network (Goyang River Network). A representative formally addressed and encouraged the volunteers during their orientation and backed the operation by providing 200,000 KRW worth of essential cleanup supplies, highlighting a successful partnership between civil volunteers and official environmental networks.

Delivering Practical Solutions for Every Environment

The distinct operations by the Yeonsu and Goyang branches highlight the adaptability of civil volunteering. Whether maintaining urban drainage conduits to keep neighborhood streets clean or combating river degradation alongside official environmental networks, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group continues to deliver highly practical, civic-minded environmental support tailored to the unique needs of each community.

Source: 

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