POSCO Pohang Clean Ocean Volunteer Group won the 10th Presidential Commendation Award, recommended by the public and selected by the Ministry of Public Administration and Security on March 3.
The POSCO group, consisting of POSCO executives and employees, received a commendation in recognition of its contribution to the preservation of the sea ecosystem by conducting marine cleanup activities every week in Yeongil Bay waters near Pohang Steel Mill.
The Pohang volunteer corps has drawn attention not only for coastal garbage collection but also for underwater garbage collection.
POSCO executives and employees with skin scuba certificates dived directly into the sea to collect marine waste such as waste tires, waste plastics, and waste fishing gear.
It has also been operating exclusive vessels since 2013 to collect large-scale marine waste. As a result, it has collected about 1,000 tons of marine waste over the past 11 years since its foundation in 2009.
The volunteer group collected underwater waste and pirate creatures that interfered with local residents' fishing activities and safety, contributing to the cleanup of the marine ecosystem as well as the convenience of local residents.
Last year, the group visited coastal villages in Pohang, affected by Maysak and Haishen typhoons, and carried out underwater purification and land garbage collection activities. It is also taking the lead in collecting waste plastic, paying attention to the problem of marine plastic waste, which has recently become a social issue.
This award is especially meaningful because it was awarded at the recommendation of the people. The national recommendation award, selected by the Ministry of Public Administration and Security, is a commendation that the government rewards when the public recommends hidden neighbors in our society.
Of the 755 people recommended by the people this year, 46 were selected as the final recipients of the award, and POSCO Pohang Clean Ocean Volunteer Group won the honor of winning the Presidential commendation.
Lee Sang-gil, director of Pohang Clean Ocean Volunteer Group, said, "The warm cheering of Pohang residents is a great driving force for continuing volunteer work. We will actively protect the sea of Yeongil Bay as a corporate citizen developing along with the local community."
