Seogwipo, Gochang, and Seocheon Pursue International Certification as Ramsar Wetland Cities

Support for Utilizing Ramsar Wetland City Certification and Expanding Infrastructure for 6 Years Upon Certification

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] The Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries have selected three wetland cities in South Korea?Seogwipo City, Gochang County, and Seocheon County?and will apply for the 2nd international certification of 'Ramsar Wetland Cities' to the Ramsar Convention Secretariat on the 15th.

The Ramsar Wetland City certification system is an international certification for cities or towns located near wetlands recognized as Ramsar wetlands that have exemplary participation in wetland conservation and wise use. This system was jointly proposed and initiated by South Korea and Tunisia in 2011 and was officially adopted at the 12th Ramsar Convention Conference of the Parties in 2015.

Subsequently, at the 13th Conference held in 2018, 18 cities from 7 countries, including four South Korean cities (Changnyeong, Inje, Jeju, and Suncheon), received the first certifications.

The three locations applying for the 2nd Ramsar Wetland City international certification this time are designated as Ramsar wetlands and wetland protection areas under international agreements and domestic laws, and were selected as final candidates through the National Wetland Deliberation Committee in February this year.

Mulyeongari Oreum in Seogwipo City is a wetland developed in a parasitic volcanic cone, where resident-led wetland conservation activities, ecological education, and tourism are activated through village regulations.

Ungok Wetland in Gochang County is an inland wetland combining the lowland wetland of Obeigol and the lacustrine wetland of Ungok Reservoir. The Gochang mudflat is a coastal wetland with high geomorphological and geological value. Seocheon mudflat in Seocheon County serves as an intermediate stopover for shorebirds and is home to diverse species.

The Ramsar Wetland City certification will be decided at the 59th Standing Committee after review by the Ramsar Convention Secretariat, and once finally confirmed, the certification will be awarded at the 14th Ramsar Convention Conference of the Parties to be held in 2021.

Regions certified as Ramsar Wetland Cities will be able to use the certification mark for six years in promoting local agricultural and fishery products or other goods, as well as ecological tourism activation programs. Additionally, they will receive financial support through the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to expand ecological tourism and infrastructure.

Park Yeon-jae, Director of Natural Conservation Policy at the Ministry of Environment, stated, "The Ramsar Wetland City certification system, proposed by South Korea, is becoming more active due to increased interest from wetland cities worldwide, and based on this, South Korea will fulfill its role in leading the international community in wetland conservation and wise use."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.