Social Impacts

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, my activities were initially restricted to Korea. However, once the situation improved, I was eager to explore other parts of the world and contribute to global issues. I had the opportunity to visit Malaysia and participate in efforts to conserve its forests.

Before my trip, I researched the environmental challenges Malaysia faces and discovered that deforestation is a major problem mostly due to the over-extraction of palm trees for palm oil production. This knowledge prepared me for my volunteer work, where I planted palm trees in areas threatened by deforestation.

During my time in Malaysia, I also had the privilege of meeting indigenous people who shared their personal struggles with the impact of deforestation. Through interviews, I learned that the destruction of forests not only harms the environment but also disrupts the lives of these communities, who depend on forests for food, materials, and income. Sadly, government policies often prioritize economic growth over forest conservation, offering little protection for indigenous communities. Hearing their stories firsthand gave me insights that I couldn’t have gained through online research alone.

In addition to my conservation efforts, I visited tourist areas in Malaysia to better understand the challenges faced by those who work in tourism. While tourism is promoted by the government as a source of economic growth, it can also negatively impact the environment. For instance, caves that hold cultural and ecological significance for indigenous people are often turned into tourist attractions, resulting in damage to natural formations and wildlife. Indigenous communities expressed concern over this destruction, but government policies continue to encourage tourism, furthering environmental degradation. Despite this, the Indigenous people I met were grateful for the awareness being raised about their struggles, and many volunteered to help address these issues.

This entire experience was incredibly valuable to me. It not only exposed me to the difficulties faced by indigenous communities but also inspired me to raise awareness about critical environmental challenges worldwide. The trip also strengthened my sense of teamwork, as I worked alongside 20 of my classmates, making the experience both meaningful and adventurous. Furthermore, this opportunity opened my eyes to the problems facing developing countries and reinforced my belief that even small community efforts can have a positive impact on others.