Environment, Nature and Energy Department organises environment seminar in Seoul

The Department of Environment, Nature and Energy (LNE) organised an environment seminar in the South Korean capital of Seoul on 7, 8 and 11 June 2012. Taking place against the background of the International Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea, the seminar focused on “The Living Ocean and Coast: Diversity of Resources and Sustainable Activities”.

LNE’s delegation was headed by Secretary General Jean-Pierre Heirman, and included companies, organizations and knowledge institutions active in the sectors of water, marine biodiversity, renewable energy, climate change, waste recycling and environmental health. The seminar was set up in cooperation with the South Korean environment administration KECO.

During the three seminar days, the participants from Flanders had elaborate talks with their Korean counterparts, exchanging experiences and best practices. LNE covered the policy-related topics, while the knowledge institutions touched upon the most recent scientific insights and the companies and federations presented their newest developments in environmental technology.

On 10 June the delegation visited the International Expo in Yeosu and the Belgian pavilion, together with HRH Prince Philippe and a Belgian delegation that included Walloon minister-president Rudy Demotte, Flemish innovation minister Ingrid Lieten and Walloon economy and foreign affairs minister Jean-Claude Marcourt.

The participants to the mission were able to gain new insights and established a large number of contacts, which will prove useful for a further international valorisation of Flanders’ environment and energy knowledge and technology.