International researchers and industry leaders are gathering in Seoul to host the 8th Asia Pacific Biochar Conference, uniting 25 countries to examine how agricultural charcoal and soil management can drive industrial carbon removal and environmental restoration.
Seoul Hosts Global Experts for Biochar and Soil Assetization Discussions
The conference runs from March 13 to 15, as reported by Environment Ilbo.
This year’s event coincides with the 15th anniversary of the Korea Biochar Research Center, serving concurrently as its 10th international conference. The core agenda centers on soil assetization, exploring how to develop sustainable biochar markets and business models to help institutions meet ESG goals.
According to Environment Ilbo, researchers from 25 countries are participating in the three-day program to present 197 studies alongside 15 keynote and special lectures. Attendees include climate scientists, soil and environmental engineers, corporate sustainability strategists, and government officials.
Technical sessions focus on carbon removal and soil remediation
Technical sessions focus heavily on measurement, reporting, and verification systems for carbon removal, agricultural greenhouse gas mitigation, and life cycle assessments. Presenters are also addressing voluntary carbon markets and methods to convert soil into a measurable financial and environmental asset.
Additional scientific presentations cover environmental remediation technologies, such as clearing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, micro- and nanoplastics, and heavy metals from soil and groundwater. Industrial applications feature prominently in the schedule, highlighting artificial intelligence-based biochar design, carbon-storing construction materials, and palm plantation management techniques in Indonesia.
Former Minister of Justice and Global Climate Environment Ambassador Kang Kum-sil delivered the welcoming address at the opening ceremony on March 13, according to Donga.com.
Frequently Asked Questions About APBC 2026
What is biochar and why is it a focus for carbon reduction?
Biochar is a charcoal-like material produced by heating biomass in an oxygen-depleted environment through a process called pyrolysis. When added to soil, it traps carbon for long periods, making it a valuable tool for carbon removal and agricultural greenhouse gas mitigation.
Who are the principal organizers of the Seoul conference?
Yong Sik Ok and Jae Hyuk Lee serve as the co-chairs of the conference steering committee.
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