Hello. I am Won Heeryong, Governor of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province. 
 
I’d like to express my joy and sincere congratulations on the opening of the 2nd ENCYNET Forum.
 
We are gathered here today to discuss the role of local governments in responding to climate change.

Countries across the world have presented diverse initiatives to counteract climate change.

However, even the best measures do not always reflect local realities or meet the needs of everyone.This is one of the difficulties inherent in planning environmental programs.

What a local government must therefore do is figure out how to tackle climate change while at the same time seeking sustainable economic growth.

As an island, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province is one of the areas most vulnerable to climate change. It is also a special region with four internationally-protected areas.

It has been designated as not only a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, and a Global Geopark,but also as a RAMSAR Convention-registered Wetland. 
As such, it is responsible for these areas.

Numerous other local governments may be in similar situations, though with different conditions.

I hope this forum provides an opportunity for local governments to share their experiences and knowledge on this subject.

With your cooperation, today’s workshop can be a new starting point for working towards preserving the world’s environment.

I sincerely hope that this will be the first step on the road to solid results. 
 

Thank you.