Children’s Peace Forest North/South Korea : We want to plant a large, fruit-bearing forest in the DMZ that is free from any weapons or military forces. The purpose of this project is multi-faceted:
A. � � �To convert a large area of land from hostile use to productive and peaceful purposes.
B. � � �To provide a place for children and youth from two nations who are now at war to peacefully interact performing productive environmental projects. This will plant the seeds for future peace and cooperation between the two nations.
C. � � �To preserve and study the natural habitat and wildlife of the Korean Peninsula . Since this region has not been occupied by humans for almost sixty years, this area will be an ideal location.
D. � �To plant thousands of fruit bearing trees for the benefit of the visitors.
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While visiting and working in the Children’s Peace Forest , young people will become re-connected with their natural environment in order to give them the resources and tools with which to make intelligent decisions about their environmental responsibilities towards themselves and the earth. They will learn to work together toward the mutually beneficial goals of peace and environmental stewardship.
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The Children’s Peace Forest Project is a plan to create an international forest in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea to provide a place for the children and youth from the two nations, still formally at war, to peacefully interact performing productive environmental projects. The idea is to convert a large area of land from its current hostile use to productive and peaceful purposes. As the children from both nations come together to play and work toward common goals, this will plant the seeds for future peace and cooperation between the two nations. In addition, since this region has not been occupied by humans for almost sixty years, this area will be an ideal location for the children to preserve and study the natural habitat and wildlife of the Korean Peninsula . Another goal is to plant thousands of chestnut trees as a practical symbol ofunity. �
President Barack Obama
Prime Minister of Australia � �
Prime Minister of Canada
Jonathan (ICEY) has received three letters of encouragement. � The Prime Ministers of Australia and Canada encourage the creation of a Children's Peace Forest in the DMZ. � � Prime Minister Julia Gillard of Australia wrote that "Your idea for a Children's Peace Forest is ambitious one and I do hope that one day becomes a reality when peace is realised on the Korean peninsula."
We need your help! Any amount you donate will help
I.C.E.Y. and it's desire for peace
and humanitarian environmentalism
around the world.
�
We see hope for this earth, do you? �
Thank you for your support!
Thank you for your donation!
We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. � Your donations are tax deductible. � Please refer to your accountant for more information.
Jonathan Lee, 13, from Mississippi is in Seoul, South Korea to promote peace and reunification on the Korean peninsula at the G20 Summit. It is in an effort to bring awareness of the situation in Korea and his suggestion of a Children's Peace Forest in the DMZ.
He is asking the G20 leaders to support:
1.The end of the Korean War with the signing of a peace treaty between the two Koreas and the U.S.
2.A nuclear free Korean peninsula.
3.The creation of a Children's Peace Forest in the DMZ. It's motto is Above Politics, Above Borders, Above Conflicts, Above Ideology. It's all about giving hope to people and children around the world.
13 Year Old Boy Pickets for Peace Asks G-20 Leaders for Their Support
안녕하세요 전 인도주의 환경단체인 세계청소년환경연대(I.C.E.Y)의 창안자 조너선리 입니다.
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전 올8월에 북한을 방문해 김정일 위원장에게DMZ어린이평화숲 조성을 제안을 담은 편지와 �제가 쓴 책인 고그린맨을 같이 전달하였습니다.그리고 북한의 정부 관계자을 만나 이 문제를 상의 하였으며,어린이 평화숲 조성 뜻에는 동의하지만 평화협정이 먼저 체결돼야 한다는 전제조건을 언급하였습니다.
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방북 성과는 편지를 전하는 등 성공적 이였으나 �어린이 평화숲 조성의 꿈을 이루기에는 많은 것이 해결되어야 한다고 느꼈습니다. �이런 방북의 경험과 저의 뜻을 북경에서 돌아왔을 때 세계언론을 통해 전하게 되었습니다.
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그 후 집으로 돌아와 고민하는 도중 제가 더 많이 한반도와 한국전쟁에 관해 알아야 함을 절실히 느껴 공부를 하게 되었습니다. �그러는 도중 정말 이해가 안 되는 �점이 있었습니다.어떻게60년이지나는 동안 천만의 이산가족들이 사랑하는 사람 끼리 떨어져 살수 있을었을까? �전쟁은 왜 끝나지 않고 있는가?등 입니다. �많은 이산가족들은 이 분단의 상황속에서 시간을 이기지 못하고 대부분 세상을 이미 떠났습니다.
한반도에는 많은 여러 나라(한국 북한 미국 중국 등)의 복잡한 이해관계가 첨예하게 대립되고 있음을 알고 있습니다.한반도는 냉전시대의 피해자입니다.그런데 냉전시대는 이미 오래 전에 끝났는데 한반도에는 평화가 찾아오지 않고 있을까요?
전세계는 이런 이산가족들의 아픔에 빛을 졌고 그래서 다같이 이분들의 재회를 위해 �노력해야 된다고 봅니다.
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이번G20정상회의 기간 중 한반도의 평화와 어린이 평회숲조성의 필요성을 알리는 캠페인을3일간 하루에7시간씩 할 예정입니다.전 모두가 전쟁의 악몽에서 이젠 함께 깨어나야 한다고 믿습니다.
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전 남북한은 물론이고 모든 나라가 전쟁이 끝나기를 원한다고 믿고 있습니다.그런데 왜 아무것도 이루어 지지 않을까요?우리는 과거 서로의 과오를 용서할 수 있다고 믿습니다.왜냐하면 미래가 과거보다 더욱 소중하기 때문입니다.
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전G20정상들에게 이 세가지를 제안합니다
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1.남북미 간의 평화협정으로 한국전쟁을 영원히 끝내주세요!
2.한반도에는 핵폭탄이 없게 해 주세요!
3.DMZ어린이 평화숲을 함께 만듭시다.
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저의 어린이 평화숲 조성에 많은 관심보여 주셔서 감사 드립니다. 이런 한반도 평화에 관한 내용은 다큐멘터리로 제작할 예정입니다. 그리고 수익금의 모두를 어린이 평화숲에 조성에사용하고 싶습니다.
세계청소년환경연대
조너선리
Hello! I'm Jonathan, the founder of a youth humanitarian environmental group called I.C.E.Y. - H.O.P.E. or International Cooperation of Environmental Youth Helping Our Polluted Earth.
This August, I went to North Korea to suggest to Chairman Kim Jong Il the creation of a Children's Peace Forest in the DMZ. Along with a letter, my book, “The Adventures of GoGreen Man” was delivered to him. I met some government officials who liked the idea of a Children's Peace Forest, but said that in order to create a Children's Peace Forest, a peace treaty must first be signed.
The trip was successful because the letter was delivered, but there is a lot to do before a Children's Peace Forest could be started. When we arrived in Beijing, I talked about my experience in North Korea and my desire for a Children's Peace Forest to the media waiting for me.
After going home, I wanted to study more about the recent history of the Korean peninsula. While studying, I found something very odd. Over 60 years have passed with more than 10 million people (families) being separated from their loved ones. Because of this never ending war, many of these people have already passed away without seeing their loved ones again.
I understand there are many disagreements between all the countries involved (North and South Korea, the U.S., China, Russia and Japan). Isn't the Korean peninsula a victim of the Cold War. The Cold War is officially over, so why is there still no peace? Doesn't the world owe the Korean people, the families who have been affected the most in the conflict, the chance to reunite?
During the G-20 Summit, I am campaigning for peace and the creation of a Children's Peace Forest for 3 days, 7 hours a day. It is to try and bring awareness of the situation in Korea. It really just feels like a bad dream from which we all need to wake up.
I want to believe that everyone wants an end to the war. If everyone wants it, then why is nothing being done? We can all forgive each other for things that have happened because the future is more important than the past.
G-20 leaders, could you please consider supporting:
The end of the Korean War with the signing of a peace treaty between the two Koreas and the U.S.
A nuclear free Korean peninsula.
The creation of a Children's Peace Forest in the DMZ. It's motto is Above Politics, Above Borders, Above Conflicts, Above Ideology. It's all about giving hope to people and children around the world.
In order to push for the Children's Peace Forest, if allowed, I'd like to visit North Korea again. I'm also working on a documentary about the Children's Peace Forest. Thank you very much and may God bless you.
We need your help! Any amount you donate will help
I.C.E.Y. and it's desire for peace
and humanitarian environmentalism
around the world.
We see hope for this earth, do you? �
Thank you for your support!
Thank you for your donation!
We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. � Your donations are tax deductible. � Please refer to your accountant for more information.
If you would like to see media coverage on the Children's Peace Forest, click below.
� � � � � � � � � � � � � � BBC News
� � � � � � � � � � � � � RT � � Russia Today
BEIJING (AP) A 13-year-old American boy who made a rare visit to Pyongyang says officials there welcomed his idea for a "children's peace forest" in the demilitarized zone dividing North and South Korea, although they said it would only happen if the countries signed a peace treaty first.
Jonathan Lee returned Thursday from an eight-day visit to the reclusive country during which he was taken on a tour of the DMZ. A hoped-for meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Il did not materialize, although Lee said the officials forwarded to Kim a letter from him.
"On this trip, I discovered that both sides want reunification and that Korea is one, so I see hope on the Korean peninsula," Lee, who made the visit with his parents, Kyoung and Melissa Lee, told The Associated Press.
Impoverished North Korea is one of the most isolated countries in the world and its hard-line communist regime is under United Nations sanctions for launching missiles and refusing to comply with nuclear weapons inspections. Since the 1950-53 Korean War ended with a cease-fire and not an armistice, the U.S., South Korea and North Korea remain technically at war.
Lee, of Ridgeland, Miss., said the officials told him his proposed children's forest was dependent on North Korea first signing a peace treaty with the United States to formally end the war a longstanding demand of Pyongyang's.
The 2 ½ mile-wide DMZ is the most heavily guarded border in the world, sealed off with electric fences and studded with land mines, watchtowers and military bases.
Despite the political hurdles, Lee said he'll continue pushing the idea for a peace forest to allow interaction between children from the two sides and hopes to visit the North again next year.
The lack of diplomatic relations between Pyongyang and Washington makes private visits to the North by Americans extremely rare. In recent months North Korea has detained four Americans for illegal entry, and one is still in prison there.
Melissa Lee said concerns about the family's safety in the north had proved unfounded. "We were taken care of. At no point did I feel unsafe," she said.
Although initially taken aback by her son's desire to visit the North, she said the trip proved to be a moving experience. "For him to want to do this on his own, I'm fairly proud of him. He may not have met (Kim), but the fact that he did it was something," she said.
The Lee family said they received permission this summer to visit North Korea from the country's representative to the United Nations. Visas were granted last week in Beijing.
Home video shot by the family during their visit showed Jonathan Lee talking to tourists inside a meeting room at the DMZ, presenting flowers at a children's music performance, and visiting a museum, library and Pyongyang's famed mass games.
In his letter submitted to the North Korean leader, Lee said he wrote that former South Korean President Kim Dae-jung had talked with him about his "sunshine policy" of peaceful coexistence with the North.
That policy of rapprochement has been abandoned by the current conservative South Korean government, and relations between Seoul and Pyongyang are at their most tense in years.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
13 Year Old U.S. Boy to Visit North Korea to Suggest Peace to Chairman Kim Jong Il
Hopes to Suggest a Peace Forest in the DMZ
BEIJING, CHINA. Jonathan Lee, a 13 year old youth environmental activist from the United States, is entering the reclusive North on a humanitarian environmental mission to suggest peace. A bold move, particularly with the strains between the DPRK, its southern neighbor (South Korea) and the United States. In spite of the concern and warnings of others, Jonathan is determined to at least try. After all, he has no political agenda. No nefarious motive. He just wants there to be peace for the sake of the children, the innocents in this 60 year conflict.
How does he propose for a peaceful coexistence? Through the creation of a peace forest in the most dangerous part of Korea the DMZ. What is the DMZ? It is short for “Demilitarized Zone” and is the place where North meets South and South meets North with barbed wires and military personnel. A peace forest in this area would be a stark contrast to the surrounding area. But, Jonathan has in mind a “Children's Peace Forest,” one in which fruit and chestnut trees would be planted and where children can play.
While Jonathan knows many think this is a crazy idea, he feels it's worth a try. After all, he has nothing to lose. Not really. The fact he is going is a huge obstacle that's been overcome being of Korean heritage, he had almost no chance of being approved for entry. But, he will be in the North with special approval from the DPRK UN Ambassador, so there should be no problems with his entry. If his suggestion is met with disapproval, then nothing is lost. But, with the remote chance that the reclusive leader of the North should decide to go along with it, then everything can be gained.
The proposed motto of the Children's Peace Forest is as bold as the idea of entering the North to speak to the government Above politics; Above conflicts; Above borders; Above ideology; It's all about giving hope to people and children around the world.
Jonathan's travels begin with his entry into China on the 10thof August. On the 12th, he is scheduled to fly into the DPRK on Air Koryo, the official airlines of North Korea. At some point in the duration of his stay, he is to meet with officials to discuss his ideas of creating a peace forest. Jonathan is scheduled to return to China from North Korea on the 19th of August at which point he will fly back to South Korea to share the need for a Children's Peace Forest in Panmunjom. He plans to speak at the IUFRO World Congress in Seoul and also hopes to share his peace message with the G-20 leaders while they are in Seoul.
목적: � 미국 및 남북한의 청소년(어린이)들과 함께 � 어린이평화의숲을 조성하여 한반도에 환경 보존 및 평화 구축에 기여함.
Objective: � American, North and South Korean youth work together to reforest North Korea (DPRK) in an effort to protect the environment and help bring peace to the region.
어린이평화의숲(동산)설립 정신 : � 정치를 넘어, 분쟁을 넘어, 국경을 넘어, 이데올로기를 넘어,
전 세계인과 어린이들에게 � � 희망을 심어준다.
The motto of this Children's Peace Forest: � � Above politics, � � Above conflicts, � Above borders, � � Above ideology , �It's all about giving hope to people and children around the world.
我的想法N:뤫N*Q?童和平森林的座右뷀：超越政治, 超越Q꾈�, 超越V携�, 超越思想
所有뤫些都是Qs于~錨┦Ｊ쟌�人民和Q?童^&ge希望。
장소: 판문점(DMZ)
�
주요 � 사업 � 방향: � Major project direction:
판문점어린이평화의숲(동산) 조성
북한 삼림 복구에 필요한 유실수(밤나무 등)지원.
Provide food bearing trees (i.e., chestnut) to reforest North Korea (DPRK) - Children's (Youth) Peace Forest
북한에 세계청소년환경연대 구성 및 추진 지원.
Create a branch of I.C.E.Y. (International Cooperation of Environmental Youth) in North Korea (DPRK) and then continue to support their efforts.
북한 청소년들의 환경교육에 필요한 자료와 물자지원.
Cooperate together in making environmental educational materials for the North Korean (DPRK) youth.
My name is Jonathan and I'm a thirteen year old boy from the United States. � I'm the founder of a humanitarian environmental group named I.C.E.Y. - H.O.P.E. (International Cooperation of Environmental Youth). � I am going to North Korea to suggest that Chairman Kim Jung Il create a � Children's Peace Forest in Panmunjom (DMZ). �
You may be wondering why a thirteen year old boy wants to go into North Korea, especially right now when there are a lot of problems. � Well, I've been talking about planting chestnut trees in North Korea for the past three years. � The reason I have is because I want to help the environment and help the people at the same time. � Now is the right time because everyone wants peace right now on the Korean peninsula.
I am half-Korean, but I didn't know � much about North Korea until I met the Nobel Peace Laureate, former President Kim Dae Jung, who passed away last year. � He impressed me about his � want for peace between the two Koreas. � Because of the current situation, I've been studying about the Korean War and the Japanese occupation of Korea for a while now. �
Korea has been divided for � 60 years and has been officially at war during this time. � � The children of these countries have never met or interacted with each other. � Personally, I don't think this is right. � So, I'd like to suggest that leaders from both Koreas (President Lee Myung Bak and Chairman Kim Jung Il) along with the U.S. President Barack Obama, you, Mr. President Hu Jintao and G-20, to support the creation of a Children's Peace Forest in Panmunjom in the DMZ as a sign of peace for the children. � �
My idea for the motto of this Children's Peace Forest:
Above politics
Above conflicts
Above borders
Above ideology It's all about giving hope to people and children around the world.
China is a special place for me because it's where my parents met and where my life began. � It would mean a lot to me if you would support this effort. � I know China is a strong supporter of both North and South Korea.
Many people may say that there's no hope and there's too much conflict for this to happen. � But, I see hope on the Korean peninsula and I ask for your help and support. � May God bless you!
Sincerely,
Jonathan Lee
Founder of I.C.E.Y. - H.O.P.E
www.iceyhope.org
August 9, 2010
�
President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear President Obama,
My name is Jonathan and I'm a thirteen year old boy from Mississippi. � I'm the founder of a humanitarian environmental group named I.C.E.Y. - H.O.P.E. (International Cooperation of Environmental Youth). � The reason for this letter is because I am going to North Korea to suggest that Chairman Kim Jung Il create a � Children's Peace Forest in Panmunjom (DMZ). �
You may be wondering why a thirteen year old boy wants to go into North Korea, especially right now when there are a lot of problems. � Well, I've been talking about planting chestnut trees in North Korea for the past three years. � The reason I have is because I want to help the environment and help the people at the same time. � Now is the right time because everyone wants peace right now on the Korean peninsula.
I am a half-Korean American, but I didn't know � much about North Korea until I met the Nobel Peace Laureate, former President Kim Dae Jung, who passed away last year. � He impressed me about his � want for peace between the two Koreas. � Because of the current situation, I've been studying about the Korean War and the Japanese occupation of Korea for a while now. �
Korea has been divided for � 60 years and has been officially at war during this time. � � The children of these countries have never met or interacted with each other. � Personally, I don't think this is right. � So, I'd like to suggest that leaders from both Koreas (President Lee Myung Bak and Chairman Kim Jung Il) along with you, Mr. President, China's President Hu Jintao and G-20, to support the creation of a Children's Peace Forest in Panmunjom in the DMZ as a sign of peace for the children. � �
My idea for the motto of this Children's Peace Forest:
Above politics
Above conflicts
Above borders
Above ideology It's all about giving hope to people and children around the world.
I am proud to be American because historically, America is for freedom. � President Lincoln fought for the freedom of all Americans and tried to bring peace to the North and the South during the Civil War. �
Many people may say that there's no hope and there's too much conflict for this to happen. � But, I see hope on the Korean peninsula and I ask for your help and support. � May God bless you!
Sincerely,
Jonathan Lee
Founder of I.C.E.Y. - H.O.P.E.
www.iceyhope.org
�
August 9, 2010
Dear President Lee,
My name is Jonathan and I met you last year in August on Korean Independence Day. � As you may know, I'm the founder of a humanitarian environmental group named I.C.E.Y. - H.O.P.E. (International Cooperation of Environmental Youth). � The reason for this letter is because I am going to North Korea to suggest that Chairman Kim Jung Il create a � Children's Peace Forest in Panmunjom (DMZ). �
You may be wondering why a thirteen year old boy from the U.S. wants to go into North Korea, especially right now when there are a lot of problems. � Well, I've been talking about planting chestnut trees in North Korea for the past three years. � The reason I have is because I want to help the environment and help the people at the same time. � Now is the right time because everyone wants peace right now on the Korean peninsula.
Because of the current situation, I've been studying about the Korean War and the Japanese occupation of Korea for a while now. � Korea has been divided for � 60 years and has been officially at war during this time. � � The children of these countries have never met or interacted with each other. � Personally, I don't think this is right. � So, I'd like to suggest that leaders from both Koreas (you, Mr. President and Chairman Kim Jung Il) along with U.S. President Barack Obama, China's President Hu Jintao and G-20, to support the creation of a Children's Peace Forest in Panmunjom in the DMZ as a sign of peace for the children. � �
My idea for the motto of this Children's Peace Forest:
Above politics
Above conflicts
Above borders
Above ideology It's all about giving hope to people and children around the world.
I'm proud to have Korean heritage and I hope for peace between the two countries. � Peace for the people of Korea, but also for the children, the innocent ones. � Many people may say that there's no hope and there's too much conflict for this to happen. � But, I see hope on the Korean peninsula and I ask for your help and support. � May God bless you!
Sincerely,
Jonathan Lee
Founder of I.C.E.Y. - H.O.P.E.
www.iceyhope.org
�
Dear Leader Kim,
My name is Jonathan Lee and I am a 13 year old Korean-American. � I'm the founder of a humanitarian
environmental group named I.C.E.Y. - H.O.P.E. (International Cooperation of Environmental Youth). � The reason for this letter is because I am going to the DPRK to suggest my wish of a � Children's Peace Forest in Panmunjom (DMZ). �
You may be wondering why a thirteen year old boy from the U.S. wants to go into your country, especially right now when there are a lot of problems. � Well, I've been talking about planting chestnut trees in DPRK for the past three years. � The reason I have is because I want to help the environment and help the people at the same time. � Now is the right time because everyone wants peace right now on the Korean peninsula.
I am half-Korean, but I didn't know � much about the problems on the Korean peninsula until I met the Nobel Peace Laureate, former President Kim Dae Jung. � He impressed me about his � want for peace between the two Koreas. � He told me about the June 15 agreement and his Sunshine Policy. � He gave me a Sunshine Policy pen that I use when I sign important papers, like this letter. � He promised he would take me with him the next time he went to the DPRK, but sadly he passed away last year. � I'd like to carry on his dream.
Because of the current situation, I've been studying about the Korean War and especially the Japanese occupation of the Korean peninsula for a while now. � As you know, Korea has been divided for � 60 years and has been officially at war during this time. � � The children of these countries have never met or interacted with each other. � I think this is sad. � So, I'd like to suggest that leaders from both Koreas (you, Dear Leader Kim � and President Lee Myung Bak) along with U.S. President Barack Obama, � China's President Hu Jintao and G-20, to support the creation of a Children's Peace Forest in Panmunjom in the DMZ as a sign of peace for the children. � �
My idea for the motto of this Children's Peace Forest:
Above politics
Above conflicts
Above borders
Above ideology It's all about giving hope to people and children around the world.
I'm proud of my Chosun (Korean) heritage and I hope for peace between the two countries. � Peace for the people of Korea, but also for the children. � Many people may say that there's no hope and there's too much conflict for this to happen. � But, I see hope on the Korean peninsula and I ask for your help and support. � May God bless you!
� � � � � � � BBC News �
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