Korea University (KU)’s OJeong Eco-Resilience Institute (OJERI) and the Mid-Latitude Region Network (MLRN) held an expert group meeting (EGM) on August 5 and 6 to discuss the existent research network in the Arctic, the Antarctic, and the mid-latitude region. The highlight of this EGM was the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between the two parties. They agreed to increase funding for environmental research and engineering technologies, especially in areas that lack of research infrastructure and are socially underdeveloped.

The research agreement also aims to protect and explore the important alpine area known as the “Third Pole.” This area, which is on the Himalayas and the Hindu Kush plateau, contains abundant freshwater resources, such as glaciers and ice caps. However, glaciers have recently been melting due to climate change and abnormal weather patterns, and this meltdown is becoming a threat to the local communities. Therefore, the agreement between OJERI and MLRN is anticipated to restore the ecosystem, implement strategies of smart agriculture and protection, and share future data and research for saving the environment.