After evolving out of a specialised network in 2002, Birds Korea was formally launched in 2004 by four co-founders. We became a legally-registered NGO in 2011. Our work for birds and their habitats is science-driven and focused on sustainable development, both within the ROK and the wider region. With our office in Busan and members throughout the ROK and overseas, we are believed at present to be the only Korean environmental NGO with Korean and non-Korean nationals as decision-makers and members. We are also perhaps the only Korean environmental NGO with regularly-updated websites fully in both Korean and English.

Our membership is diverse in age, experience and expertise, with an individual, family and school membership system. Our supporters are comprised of individuals and a small but growing number of companies, providing donations, goods or services at generously-discounted rates for Birds Korea and our members. Although all of our members and supporters care for the natural environment, most are not (yet!) birdwatchers. Of course, Birds Korea welcomes all people of good mind and people of all ages as active members and supporters.

Our membership enables us to work equally and simultaneously at the local, national and international level. Such an approach is essential as our aim is to support local communities and the nation in trying to fulfill existing conservation obligations under national laws and international agreements. Where we can, we work together with local schools and communities; with key government and non-government bodies; and with overseas and international organizations. Examples of our approach include our partnership with the Australasian Wader Studies Group to conduct shorebird research at Saemangeum (2006-2008); the 2010 Birds Korea Blueprint which contained our own information and articles provided by 13 other organizations (both domestic and from overseas, both NGO and from government); and our role as Korean NGO Representative of the Global Spoon-billed Sandpiper Task Force. As Task Force member, we have conducted research at key sites, held public awareness raising events, participated in international meetings and in 2013 have worked with school-students in three cities as part of a project led by the Hong Kong Birdwatching Society.

In large part because of our unique structure and work approach, we have been presented with two national awards for our work (in 2008 and again in 2011).

Even though Birds Korea is a small organization and there are many challenges ahead, we are proud of our members and our work record so far.

Please join Birds Korea. With your support, we believe that we can do much more for the nation’s birds and their habitats.