BGF Retail Commits to Environmental Stewardship with Mongolian Afforestation Initiative

BGF Retail, a leading South Korean convenience store operator, has taken significant steps toward environmental conservation by participating in a climate response forest planting event in Mongolia. The initiative, part of the company’s broader commitment to sustainability, highlights BGF Retail’s efforts to address desertification and promote ecological balance through collaborative, community-focused projects.

The Mongolian Afforestation Project

In late May 2026, BGF Retail employees joined the “2026 Mongolia Climate Response Forest Planting Event,” organized by the Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute. The event, held in Bayantsogt soum, involved the planting of approximately 100 Siberian elm trees. This activity was part of a larger effort to combat desertification and create a sustainable forest ecosystem.

The project’s design emphasizes long-term environmental impact. By considering the living areas of nomadic herders and the migration routes of livestock, the initiative aims to balance ecological restoration with the needs of local communities. This approach reflects a growing trend in conservation efforts to integrate indigenous knowledge and traditional practices into modern environmental strategies.

Partnerships and Funding

BGF Retail collaborated with several key partners on the project, including the Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute, BC Card, and the non-profit organization Green Asia. The environmental funds used for the initiative were raised through BGF Retail’s “Paperless Campaign,” a program that has been active for 14 consecutive years since 2012.

The Paperless Campaign, which encourages reduced paper usage, has become a cornerstone of BGF Retail’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy. By channeling proceeds from this campaign into environmental projects, the company underscores its dedication to sustainable development. “Based on our vision of ‘BGF, a Good Friend to the Earth and Society,’ we are taking the lead in nature conservation activities at home and abroad to fulfill our social responsibility,” said Park Chae-young, head of BGF Retail’s ESG team.

Long-Term Goals and ESG Commitment

BGF Retail’s involvement in the Mongolian project aligns with its broader three-year plan to create a 30-hectare climate response forest by 2028. This goal reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship, which has included annual afforestation projects since 2012, with only the COVID-19 pandemic period disrupting this consistent effort.

The initiative also highlights the growing importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria in corporate strategy. By prioritizing ESG practices, BGF Retail aims to foster shared growth with local communities while addressing global environmental challenges. “Going forward, BGF Retail will continue to expand and strengthen its ESG management practices through various activities that promote shared growth with local communities,” Park added.

Broader Implications for Corporate Sustainability

BGF Retail’s efforts in Mongolia exemplify how corporations can leverage their resources and influence to drive meaningful environmental impact. The project’s focus on sustainability, community engagement, and long-term planning offers a blueprint for other businesses seeking to integrate ecological responsibility into their operations.

As climate change continues to pose urgent global challenges, initiatives like BGF Retail’s afforestation project demonstrate the critical role of private sector involvement in achieving international environmental targets. By combining corporate resources with local expertise, such efforts can create resilient ecosystems while supporting the livelihoods of communities reliant on natural resources.

BGF Retail’s commitment to environmental conservation underscores a broader shift in corporate responsibility, where businesses are increasingly tasked with addressing societal and ecological challenges alongside their commercial objectives.