North Korea
For more than a decade, Mercy Corps has brought food, critical supplies, crop seedlings and cultural exchange to the people of North Korea.
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Blog Post: Posted August 20, 2010, 12:45 pm by Lila Wade
Demystifying our work in North Korea
Country: North Korea
In North Korea, Mercy Corps programmes focus on alleviating hunger by expanding agricultural production. We also invite North Korean officials to the U.S. as part of building a humanitarian bridge between our country and theirs.
I recently talked about our work in North Korea (also known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, or DPRK) including what it's like to host North Korean officials here in the U.S. with David Austin, a programme officer responsible for managing Mercy Corps programmes in North Korea.
Q: First, can you give us a little history? When and how did Mercy Corps begin working in North Korea?
David Austin: Well, Mercy Corps has had programmes in the DPRK for about 15 years. Our work began in 1996 when a North Korean diplomat to the UN began reaching out to aid agencies requesting help with agricultural production as there was a famine occurring in the country. One of the calls he made was to the late Ells Culver, who co-founded Mercy Corps. His response: "Sure! Let’s get started."
Q: What kind of programmes do we have there?
A large portion of our work remains centered on agriculture — improving growing techniques and encouraging the bio-diversity of crops. In 2000, Mercy Corps supplied 35,000 apple cuttings to orchards in Qwail County to boost production, which began an ongoing project revolving around apple production.
Since that first shipment, we have sent an additional 200,000 apple rootstock which have been propogated into more than 900,000 apple trees. Our hope for the future is that Mercy Corps can help communities begin making value-added products like applesauce, apple cider or dried fruit bars.
We have also helped on smaller crop projects on an annual basis, such as grass seed, potatoes, poplar trees and fish farms.
When there have been extraordinary circumstances, Mercy Corps has helped in times of crisis, such as providing medicines during the floods of 2007, food crises in 2008-2009 and, most recently, Mercy Corps was part of a USAID-funded initiative to bring medical supplies and electricity to hospitals in North Korea.
Q: What did this hospital initiative entail?
Mercy Corps purchased and installed five generators in five different hospitals in South Hwangae provinces with the help of volunteer electricians from here in Oregon. We then returned to monitor how the new generators were put to use and to assess the hospitals’ material needs. Finding the hospitals short on many basic supplies, Mercy Corps arranged for the delivery of several ultrasound machines, X-ray units, power conditioners and other needed supplies, such as operating beds and operating lights. I was able to visit the hospitals myself right after these supplies were delivered along with Nancy Lindborg, Mercy Corps' president.
Q: But there's a diplomatic element to our programmes as well, right?
Yes, you might say that we deliver more than just direct assistance. Through our aid work, Mercy Corps plays a unique role as a relational bridge between people in the United States and people in the DPRK. The nature of our work helps create these relationships, because it creates common ground. For instance, most of our work centers on agriculture. Agriculture is a science, which is, by nature, apolitical. Cooperation on these non-controversial fronts creates a space for engagement that will one day, we hope, open a window for the political opportunity.
Q: Tell me more about what you mean by a "relational bridge."
The relationship that Mercy Corps has built has been an incredible asset. By building trust, we have been provided with opportunities to take leadership in times of crisis, such as the famine in 1997 and most recently in 2008 and 2009. Normally, aid organisations don’t operate in the country, but because of our relationship with officials there, Mercy Corps and a few other non-governmental organisation (NGOs) were given unprecedented access. We were able to feed 890,000 people for eight months and crisscross the country visiting with the people who received the aid. We had open access to the areas we served, and in many cases we were
the first encounter North Koreans ever had with an American.
Q: But constructing a bridge to such an insular country can't be easy.
That's true. Few North Koreans are permitted to leave the country, but we have had the unique opportunity of inviting members of the Korean American Private Exchange Society, part of the government’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to visit the U.S. These visits have been enriching experiences. They have given us the privilege of facilitating dialogue between state and local officials. Through these trips, we are able to extend the hospitality of our organisation, present new ideas about our vision for the future and show that there are many similarities between our country and theirs.
Q: What do North Korean officials do when they visit?
They visit our city, meet civic, political, business and academic leaders whose work or interests might inspire or assist the North Koreans. Over the course of their visit, we may take them to visit the World Forestry Centre, Oregon State University, and a national forest, the kinds of places where they can meet with experts on deforestation and agricultural productivity — two issues that the DPRK must address to reduce poverty.
We aim to build relationships and to facilitate the exchange of information. Our hope is that when these officials leave they will have experienced a deeper connection to our organisation, our donors, our city and the vision we have. Hopefully, this helps them understand the many opportunities there are to expand our work into new areas in their country through a deeper partnership.
Q: What's the hoped-for result of these partnerships?
Our hope is that the years and resources we spend in North Korea will relieve suffering today, and lay the groundwork for deeper relationships in the future. It makes a difference that we are a U.S.-based organisation because we invariably represent our country when we are there. Although we are not on a political mission, we are seen as Americans. Thus, our programmes and history in the country serve as a reminder of what is good in our country.
I have heard many survivors of World War II break down in tears of gratitude for the food and aid they received from the United States after the war was over. By providing aid in North Korea, who knows what kind of friends we’re creating for the future? But I'm sure that these relationships will be of lasting value.
Posted July 7, 2010
Seeding Apple Orchards
Country: North Korea
Topics: Agriculture
Mercy Corps has been actively engaged with the people of North Korea for more than 12 years. From direct food and medical assistance in times of emergencies to long-term agricultural development, Mercy Corps has been building relationships and opportunities for engagement with the people in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
Throughout the years Mercy Corps has been investing in the establishment of diverse, healthy apple orchards in South Hwangae Province as a means of improving the domestic nutritional food-basket. Kwail County produces more than 70% of the apple crop for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and Mercy Corps has been working with nurseries in the area to strengthen their apple varieties, improve their fruit quality, and increase their harvest yields.
By sending both apple trees and rootstock from the Pacific Northwest to Kwail County, Mercy Corps and the nurseries have produced over 900,000 new apple trees for planting in and near Kwail County. This past spring another 100,000 new rootstock from Oregon were sent to the nurseries to expand the output even further. In the coming six years, we plan to propagate and plant more than three million apple trees in South Hwangae Province.
While working in this region over the years, Mercy Corps has also built relationships with the local community hospitals, and this May we completed a multi-year project to install generators and medical equipment in five county hospitals. New ultra-sound machines, x-rays, neonatal incubators and patient monitors have been installed along with diesel power generators which insure that the hospitals have a consistent supply of electricity for use during regular power shortages.
In March, 2009 Mercy Corps finished a USAID food assistance program where we lead a consortium of five other organizations responsible for feeding 895,000 vulnerable people in North Pyongan and Chagang provinces. For 8 months we had regular and full access to 25 rural counties in these provinces where we were able to institute a highly effective monitoring and distribution program to insure that food assistance reached the targeted beneficiaries. Together with our partner NGO’s, and our host agency, KAPES, hundreds of thousands of children, elderly, orphans and pregnant women were able to get the food they needed.
Mercy Corps remains committed to deepening its partnership in the DPRK as we find new ways to build just, productive and secure communities.
Posted July 1, 2008
Food for North Korea's Families
Country: North Korea
Mercy Corps is taking the lead in a yearlong distribution of 100,000 metric tons of food to quell rampant hunger in North Korea.
We have been asked by the U.S. government to spearhead a partnership of five non-governmental organisations (NGOs) including World Vision, Samaritan's Purse, Christian Friends of Korea and Global Resource Services that will implement a major food assistance programme for North Korean families. Distribution of the food aid — provided by the U.S. government and funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development's (USAID) Food for Peace programme — is taking place over the course of twelve months beginning in June 2008. Alongside our partner organisations, we will monitor the distribution of food such as corn, wheat, vegetable oils and beans through schools, orphanages and other institutions.
North Korea has been teetering on the verge of widespread hunger for years, and children are most affected: according to a recent survey from the World Food Programme and UNICEF, at least 37 percent of children are chronically malnourished and fully one-third of mothers are malnourished and suffer from anemia.
The situation is growing worse because of many factors: floods that devastated harvests last year, trade issues with neighboring China and the global food crisis. These factors have combined to double the prices of staple foods in North Korea's capital, Pyongyang. And, today, another shortage of food looms for the country; experts estimate that this year could be North Korea's worst food deficit since 2001.
Our food distribution programmes are expected to reach more than 900,000 people — primarily children, the elderly and the extremely poor — in two provinces. We will have staff residing in North Korea to visit families, monitor distribution and assess impact.
Since 1996, Mercy Corps has promoted cross-cultural exchange and worked with the country's vulnerable families and communities to help meet health and nutritional needs, as well as collaborate on long-term agricultural and economic solutions. Our late co-founder, Ells Culver, reached out to the North Korean people in the aftermath of drought, flooding and food shortages. That cooperation was strengthened last year when we hand-delivered £8 million of medicines for flood survivors, and earlier this year when we received a USAID grant to install emergency generators and medical equipment in six county hospitals.
This food distribution initiative is an unprecedented opportunity to help the people of North Korea improve food security and meet their emergency needs. We will keep you updated on the programme's progress over the year to come.
Your gift to our Emergency Response fund will help us deliver assistance to even more families in some of the world's most challenging places.
Posted September 6, 2007
Mercy Corps and DHL Deliver Medicine to Flood-Affected North Korean Families
Country: North Korea
Topics: Health, Emergencies
The express and logistics company DHL is generously providing a very substantial contribution to cover shipping expenses for urgently-needed medicines headed to North Korea. Mercy Corps is sending nearly £8 million worth of medicines to the flood-wracked country to assist in its relief efforts.
The shipment arrived in North Korea's capital city, Pyongyang, on Saturday.
"DHL is an essential partner in moving these items into the flood zone," said Mercy Corps President Nancy Lindborg. "Thanks to them, we'll be able to reach more people faster with lifesaving supplies."
Mercy Corps is sending more than £8 million of pharmaceuticals from Amsterdam, The Netherlands provided through private donations, and DHL is helping speed these supplies into North Korea. The U.S. government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development's Office for Foreign Disaster Assistance, has given a £30,000 grant to the agency to fund the purchase of additional antibiotics. Nike has also donated more than £153,000 in clothing, and is generously covering the transportation costs for these goods.
"Together with Mercy Corps and our DHL colleagues around the globe, we have successfully coordinated and delivered supplies to help support the flood relief efforts," said Scott Price, CEO of DHL Express - Europe. "We are joined by a common purpose to alleviate the difficulties faced by vulnerable communities."
The support from DHL will allow Mercy Corps to bring some relief to a country deluged with heavy rain. According to the United Nations, close to one million people have been affected by the floods and at least 11 percent of the country's farmlands have been inundated or washed away.
Waterborne illnesses often run rampant after major floods, creating major health problems. The items on this shipment have been specifically requested from local representatives in North Korea.
A team of four Mercy Corps staff arrived in Pyongyang on Tuesday to help hand-deliver these medicines. The agency will work with its in-country partners to target flood-affected communities in areas such as South Pyongang province, where Mercy Corps has ongoing coordination of food security programmes, as well as other hard-hit provinces such as North Pyongang, North Hwanghea and Kwangwon do.
Mercy Corps has worked with vulnerable North Korean families and communities since 1996, striving to help meet health and nutritional needs as well as collaborating on long-term agricultural and economic solutions. The organisation's co-founder, Ells Culver, reached out to the North Korean people after the country suffered years of drought, flooding and food shortages. That diplomacy has led to an extraordinary partnership that includes farmer exchanges between North Korea and the United States' Pacific Northwest.
Over the course of more than 20 visits to North Korea, Culver repeatedly demonstrated his belief that caring assistance would lead to positive change.
Posted August 14, 2007
Floods Ravage North Korea
Country: North Korea
Topics: Emergencies
Unyielding rain that began in early August has buried large areas of North Korea, killing dozens, destroying more than 30,000 houses and affecting almost one million people.
After discussing the country's most urgent needs with North Korean representatives, Mercy Corps is providing more than £16 million in medicine and clothing to aid affected families. On Sept. 1, Mercy Corps sent more than £8 million in pharmaceuticals due to the generous support of OFDA and a group of Canadians. DHL has partnered with Mercy Corps to speed these supplies to families. Later this month Mercy Corps will send an additional £9 million in aid to North Korea thanks in part to Nike.
In addition, USAID announced on August 16 that it is giving Mercy Corps and another humanitarian agency each £30,000 to provide blankets, shelter materials, water containers and other supplies. "These two NGOs have responded to previous humanitarian emergencies in the DPRK and elsewhere in the world, and we are confident that they will ensure this assistance reaches those most affected by the floods," says USAID.
Mercy Corps has worked with vulnerable North Korean families and communities since 1996, striving to help meet health and nutritional needs as well as collaborating on long-term agricultural and economic solutions. The organisation's co-founder, Ells Culver, reached out to the North Korean people after the country suffered years of drought, flooding and food shortages. That diplomacy has led to an extraordinary partnership that includes farmer exchanges between North Korea and the United States' Pacific Northwest. Over the course of more than 20 visits to North Korea, Culver repeatedly demonstrated his belief that caring assistance would lead to positive change.
"Over the last decade, Mercy Corps has developed a relationship of trust and respect with the North Korean people," said Mercy Corps President Nancy Lindborg. "At this critical time, we want to reach out to families who are suffering huge losses as a result of flooding."
Torrential rain that began on August 7 has continued unabated, destroying hundreds of public buildings, washing out more than 500 bridges and ruining numerous railway lines. There are also reports of widespread power and telecommunications outages.
The flooding has also jeopardized North Korea's already-fragile agricultural capacity, reportedly inundating or washing away at least 11 percent of farmland and spoiling up to 25 percent of current rice and corn crops. This massive loss is sparking fears of widespread food shortages.
Mercy Corps has long been at the forefront of efforts to bring reconciliation and mutual understanding to the sometimes-contentious relationship between North Korea and the United States. Through the East Asia Advisory Committee and National Committee for North Korea, Mercy Corps has demonstrated leadership by bringing together various stakeholders to discuss ideas for collaboration.
Posted June 13, 2007 by Esme Jo Culver
Seeing for the First Time
Country: North Korea
Two weeks ago, I visited North Korea for the first time.
For many years, I was privileged to hear firsthand stories of the people of North Korea from my husband, Mercy Corps co-founder Ells Culver. Over the course of more than twenty visits, from the time of the terrible famine a decade ago, Ells brought home stories of possibilities for peaceful and thoughtful negotiations. He worked tirelessly, alongside many colleagues, to pave the way for Mercy Corps to bring the critical assistance needed for the health and survival of the Korean people.
So before my own journey to North Korea, I heard stories of relationships, of growing respect between those who worked to obtain that assistance and those who sought to bring it. I heard stories of listening, understanding and acceptance.
I knew little of the politics, pressures and tensions involved in delivering much-needed goods to North Korea. But I knew well the passion that gripped Ells when faced with caring for the hungry and I carried the memory of that passion with me when I visited the country last week.
A respectful invitation and a rare glimpse
Invited by North Korean officials to see the work that Ells had accomplished, I asked myself why such an invitation would be made. I can only conclude it is because they cared deeply for Ells and out of respect the ongoing projects he established, they knew he would want me to see it. Mercy Corps graciously included me in their latest mission into the country.
As we rode into the countryside, we passed an endless stream of people working feverishly to get the rice harvest planted. We were informed that all citizens would be expected to help with the planting. This was reflected by differences I noticed in those walking to and from the planting sites: some women - brightly dressed, wearing cosmetics and talking to each other and their children with animation and humor - might have been city dwellers doing their part.
Passing by them, I would wave and they would wave back laughingly. One might think of this as a sign of hope. Others, far less animated or responsive, either simply stared back at us as we passed or merely continued walking, taking no notice of our truck going by.
An unending patchwork
People, bent over in the paddies, rarely looked up. Patient oxen inched forward as their human partners seeded the rows. Here, in rural North Korea, one could only sense a certain stoicism and fatigue. Their work was their only focus and its constancy was made evident by an unending patchwork of rice, cabbage and corn that stretched as far as one could see, covering distant hills.
Those hills told a story of their own: long since de-foliaged, leaving the land vulnerable to typhoon and potential drought. There seemed little evidence of terracing that would help protect fragile crops against heavy rains. I imagined all this hard work sliding down the hillsides onto the paddies below.
The overworked land wad slowly and surely becoming as exhausted as those who worked it until, inevitably, all might reach a point of no return without re-nourishment and rest.
Very real needs
At a stopping point on one back road, I noticed a barefoot child gathering sticks into a sack. Her mother was close by working in part of the field. When her mother noticed us watching she spoke abruptly to the child who promptly emptied out all her gathered sticks and ran to her mother’s side.
It was a revealing and sad scene, pointing out the very real need the majority of the population has for the basic necessities: clean running water, fire to heat it and food. People are thin. Whether city dwellers or country farmers, they are small and carry no excess weight.
One quickly becomes conscious of the strong possibility that, even with all the planting and preparation for harvest, there simply isn’t going to be enough food to feed everyone adequately. I felt the weight of Western luxuries taken for granted – water, heat, food aplenty - and I began to understand the motivation for Ells’ passion, as well as the passion of Mercy Corps as it pursues worldwide relief.
How can we, who have so much, stand by when others need our help?
Apple orchards are in need of fertilizer and agricultural expertise, fish farms need fish food and protection from the elements, hospitals need the barest necessities that we would simply expect in order to be properly functional. Ells often pointed out the discrepancy between the amount of medical supplies in our country that are used once and then discarded and the absolute lack of any supplies in North Korea.
When I viewed one operating room, I saw for myself what he had been trying to convey. The room held only an ancient bare steel surgical table and an old surgical lamp. Relying primarily on herbal medicines, we noticed herbs drying outside on a slab of concrete. Surely, I thought, we can supply enough medical supplies and expertise to improve the safety and functionality of this facility.
It’s a heart thing
As political posturing and tension-filled mandates are issued, a population faces potential disaster. While I am no expert in any of these arenas, I have seen that the heart of the people beats below the political rhetoric.
The eyes of women who shyly waved back to me are imprinted in my heart forever. The delighted eyes of hardened orchard engineers and fish farmers, lighting up at the mention of the name “Mr. Culver” made us all smile with harmonious recognition of what is innately good in the world.
Nobody could openly express their deepest thoughts, but words were not necessary. It’s a heart thing and it’s universal. It’s why Mercy Corps goes into fragile places like this, why they will be there for as long as it takes to do what is right. The core of the issue is not about judgment, it’s not about politics, it’s not about who’s right or wrong.
It’s about simple human caring and our responsibility to stand shoulder to shoulder with our neighbour as they keep on planting. To do otherwise would be the greatest disaster of all.
Posted January 17, 2006
Ellsworth Culver Honored by North Korea for Life's Work
Country: North Korea
Topics: Peaceful Change
On January 10, a representative of the North Korean government honored the late Ellsworth Culver, Mercy Corps' Co-Founder, for his committed, innovative humanitarian work in that country.
Ambassador Han Song Ryol, North Korea's respresentative to the United Nations, presented the "Friendship Medal" to Culver's wife Esme Jo during a ceremony in Portland, Oregon. This was the first time this medal has been presented to an American citizen.
During a speech that honored Culver's legacy, Ambassador Han praised Culver for his lifelong commitment to peaceful dialogue, his vision and his unwavering support for improved friendship between the United States and North Korea.
"Ells Culver was one of the pioneers for the new relations between the U.S. and [North Korea]," the Ambassador remarked. "He saved a lot of lives, and he helped our people improve their working and living conditions."
Culver made more than 20 visits to North Korea to meet with officials and encourage cooperation between American and North Korean organisations. Under Culver's guidance, Mercy Corps not only sent critical food and medical supplies to North Korea, but also started innovative agricultural programmes designed to achieve sustainable food production for farming families.
Culver passed away in August 2005 at the age of 78, just as he was planning his 23rd official trip to North Korea. His legacy also includes helping to found the National Committee for North Korea, an organisation that advocates and actively pursues more fruitful dialogue between the two countries.
The decision to present Culver with this unprecedented honor was made by the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly, the legislative component of the North Korean government.
More than 70 people attended the presentation dinner, including Culver's widow Esme Jo, daughter Amber and sons Scott and Glyn. Former diplomats, representatives of non-governmental organisations, academics and Northwest community leaders were also present to honor Culver's work.
Posted June 4, 2004
Mercy Corps Responds to North Korea Tragedy
Country: North Korea
Topics: Emergencies
Mercy Corps is mobilizing staff and resources to mount a quick response to the recent tragedy in Ryongchon, North Korea. Aid workers have been dispatched and truckloads of critical medical supplies has arrived at the devastated site.
On April 22, 2004, a series of massive train explosions in Ryongchon, a busy town near the Chinese border, resulted in overwhelming casualties and property damage. According to initial estimates, more than 160 people were killed and nearly 2,000 injured. Structural damage from the blast is widespread, destroying more than 1,800 dwellings and severely weakening over 6,800 more residences. As a result, more than 8,000 residents are now homeless.
Survivors of the explosions are suffering from critical burns, broken bones and respiratory problems, and are in desperate need of medical attention. A Mercy Corps shipment of medicines and medical supplies arrived near the disaster site on Monday morning. These critical provisions are being delivered to local hospitals and treatment centers for immediate use.
Some of the lifesaving supplies delivered by Mercy Corps were gauze bandages, disposable needles, penicillin and other antibiotics, cotton balls, intravenous (IV) fluids, and vitamin B1 and C injections for burns and trauma. Overall, Mercy Corps distributed 13.5 tons of essential medical provisions.
Mercy Corps is acting from Dandong, China, the closest border crossing to the train wreck site and additional support is being provided from its Beijing field office. The organisation is working with the North Korean government to ensure a quick and effective response to the tragedy.
"Contact and cooperation are essential in mounting a quick response," said Mercy Corps Senior Vice-President and Co-Founder Ellsworth Culver. "Our staff is working with local authorities to make certain that aid and supplies get to those who need them most."
Mercy Corps has been committed to humanitarian programmes in North Korea since 1996. The organisation recently hosted discussions between a delegation of North Korean officials and representatives of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) at its Portland, Oregon headquarters.
Our staff and local partners are working to make sure that medical treatment and critical supplies are safely delivered to survivors of this horrific disaster.
Posted May 24, 2004
Mercy Corps Sends 100,000 Apple Tree Rootstocks To North Korea
Country: North Korea
An Air China cargo plane leaves Portland International Airport on Febuary 26 for Pyongyang, North Korea loaded with 73 boxes carrying 100,000 high-quality apple tree rootstocks as part of Mercy Corps' ongoing Apple Tree Project, which was launched in 2000 and has been recognized as a model programme for sustainable agricultural development in that country.
"This shipment of rootstocks will allow farmers in North Korea's Qwail County to significantly expand their orchards," says Simon Miller, Mercy Corps' Apple Tree project manager. "By providing rootstocks, rather than a complete tree, we help local farmers build their knowledge of what it takes to manage an orchard so that in the long run we help foster greater self-sufficiency that lessens our need for involvement over time."
The rootstocks will be grafted onto branch cuttings from trees that Mercy Corps previously delivered to Qwail (translates as "fruit" in Korean) County, which is in the southwestern part of North Korea. Once a rootstock has been grafted it can be planted and produce a completely new tree that is highly productive and resistant to drought and disease. Apples grown in this region are used for juice or kept whole for consumption.
The apple tree rootstocks were purchased at a reduced price from an Oregon company, Meadow Lake Nursery near McMinnville. Meadow Lake is making an in-kind donation of apple trees worth £6,000 that will ship to North Korea at a later date.
Since March 2000, Mercy Corps has sent three other shipments that totaled 71,000 apple trees. Agricultural aid has also included: 65,000 pounds of fertilizer, three windmills, 15,000 pounds of grass and alfalfa seed, and 23,000 pounds of vegetable seed (potato, barley, wheat, corn, soybean and green beans). All of this is part of the agency's long-term commitment to help North Korea increase its food security.
Mercy Corps began its involvement in North Korea in 1996 when severe drought and famine lead to the death of at least two million people, which the country has never really recovered from and thus remains dependent on international food aid.
Posted May 21, 2004
Mercy Corps Plays Role in Helping Improve US - North Korea Relations
Country: North Korea
Mercy Corps' Co-Founder and Senior Vice President Ells Culver leaves for his 20th trip to North Korea this Saturday, May 22 as the leader of a 12-person delegation from the Pacific Northwest who are accompanying him on a special peace-building mission to North Korea and China. The visit to North Korea is part of the agency's ongoing efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to innocent people there, which over the past nine years has also made progress in helping to normalize relations with that country's government.
"Ells is making history with this visit," says Mercy Corps CEO Neal Keny-Guyer. "There are not many who would be granted access with a group of people to this country. Ells is a senior statesman who is an expert on North Korea and Asia, and he has worked hard over the years to gain the trust and respect of the North Koreans."
This delegation marks one of the rare occasions when non-technical people have been granted access to North Korea. Their visit is welcome as part of a new effort by some in the North Korean government to get to know Americans better. Culver has led smaller delegations to the country in the past, which have included agricultural and fisheries specialists as part of the agency's work to foster sustainable food systems crucial to long-term stability in this isolated country. Plans for this trip include visit to apple orchards that were seeded with Oregon apple tree root stocks, as well as meetings with government officials to discuss ways to expand the food aid projects.
Mercy Corps originally began humanitarian assistance to North Korea in 1996 in response to severe environmental and economic conditions that resulted in three consecutive years of famine touching the lives of millions. Children's malnutrition continues to be a major concern for families in North Korea. With support from the Northwest-based Gates Foundation, Mercy Corps is also delivering major shipments of medical supplies to needy communities.
This trip to Asia also includes visits to Mercy Corps' China programmes, which include a very successful microfinance project (supported by Nike) that offers small business loans to budding entrepreneurs as a method of stimulating economic development and thus alleviating severe poverty that exists in many parts of the country. The delegation also has three different meetings planned in Beijing with Chinese business owners, who are interested in learning from the Mercy Corps delegation members (all successful philanthropic business owners themselves) about the concepts of corporate philanthropy and social responsibility, which are new ideas in China.
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