By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee

A high-level delegation of Dominican Republic park management policymakers visited Sokcho City on June 15 to experience the 10th Displaced Persons Cultural Festival and observe eco-friendly festival models.

The Dominican Republic delegation's visit to South Korea was made at the invitation of the National Park Service. The delegation sought to understand South Korea's national park management expertise, promote nature conservation cooperation between the two countries, and conduct training for the Dominican Republic's climate change response information system.

In particular, the delegation was deeply impressed by Sokcho City's sustainable festival management practices.

Sokcho City, which has been operating various festivals such as food festivals and sea festivals in an eco-friendly manner, signed an “MOU for the Creation of Eco-friendly Local Festivals” with the Wonju Regional Environmental Office on June 11 and is now actively promoting the creation of environmentally friendly and sustainable local festivals.

In particular, at this year's Displaced Persons Cultural Festival, reusable containers were provided to participants to minimize the use of disposable items.

With the active participation of the Sustainable Development Council and other civil society organizations, eco-friendly education and experience booths were operated at the festival site, solidifying Sokcho City's position as a leading eco-friendly festival city.

The Dominican Republic delegation observed the use and operation of reusable containers and methods to encourage citizen and tourist participation at the festival site, and directly participated in recycling experience programs such as making powdered toothpaste and moss frames.

They expressed high interest in confirming the applicability of these methods for events in their own country, particularly praising the citizen-led environmental education and festival participation.

Lee Byung-seon, mayor of Sokcho City, stated, “It is very meaningful that the eco-friendly festival and citizen-led environmental education initiatives that Sokcho City has been practicing have inspired overseas stakeholders. We will continue to strive to host sustainable festivals that harmonize the environment and culture.”