Greetings. 
I am Woo Keun-min, Governor of the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province. 

First of all, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation for your participation in the 1st ENCYNET (Cyber Environment Network of World Local Governments) Forum hosted by the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province.   

Jeju Island, a national and natural treasure, has been designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, included on UNESCO’s World Natural Heritage list, confirmed as a Global Geopark, and has also been named one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. It is meaningful that Jeju is hosting the ENCYNET Forum via an official website established by the Jeju Province. 

During the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) World Conservation Congress (WCC) 2012 held in Jeju Island, it was agreed that ongoing environmental cooperation at the local government level has an important role in coming up with global perspectives on environmental issues and promoting global environmental improvement. Accordingly, establishment of the Cyber Environment Network of World Local Governments, which will be a global governance council with participation by the world’s local governments, was strongly supported and promoted.

In order to prepare for the establishment and full-fledged operation of the Cyber Environment Network, the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province launched an official website in October 2013, which makes video conferences possible, and has come to hold the 2013 ENCYNET Forum. 

It is my sincere hope that the valuable opinions and insights to be presented in this Environment Forum will be valued in the Cyber Environment Network of World Local Governments, acting as another novel and beautiful initiative that will facilitate environmental cooperation activities and exchanges for global environmental conservation and sustainable development.  

I would like to express my deep gratitude and respect to all the participants of the ENCYNET Forum, including the mayors and governors, who are ceaselessly striving for global environmental betterment and sustainable regional development. I hope that you will conclude the remaining month of the year successfully and greet the New Year of 2014, filled with hope and inspiration. 

                                           Thank you 

                                          December 2013

                                           Woo Keun-min
                          Governor of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province