‘River Cleanup Activities and Endangered Species Monitoring’... Dobong-gu, Restoring Biodiversity

Dobong-gu 4 Private Organizations Conduct Waterway Cleanup and Remove Invasive Plants from Musucheon, Banghakcheon, and Uicheon... Intensive Ecological Monitoring of Jungnangcheon, a Key Habitat for the White-necked Waterbird, Throughout June

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Dobong-gu (Mayor Dongjin Lee) conducted river cleanup activities on June 2, 4, and 9 to celebrate the 25th Environment Day and to raise awareness among residents about the importance of the environment and environmental conservation.

June 5, "Environment Day," was established in 1972 by the UN as a day for the international community to pledge joint efforts to protect the global environment. South Korea designated it as a legal commemorative day starting in 1996.

This event was mainly led by members of the Dobong Citizen Action Group, along with the Dobong Nature Protection Council, Dobong Sunlight Sharing, Dobong Environmental Education Center Nature Interpretation Group, and about 100 Dobong-gu office employees.

They conducted cleanup activities including collecting underwater and riverside trash targeting Musucheon (Dobong Station to Early Childhood Forest Ecological School), Banghakcheon (Banghak Intersection to Banghak 3-dong Community Center), and Uicheon (Donga Transport to Duksung Women's University).

Additionally, to provide residents with a pleasant waterfront environment, invasive plants such as Ambrosia artemisiifolia (common ragweed) and Sicyos angulatus (bur cucumber) were removed.

Furthermore, to honor the 2020 World Environment Day theme of "Biodiversity," the district will conduct focused ecological monitoring throughout June on the Jungnangcheon area (Changpoweon to Wolgye 1 Bridge), which is a major habitat for the endangered species "White-naped Crane" (Huinmokmulttaese).

The district formed two citizen monitoring teams who received prior training including field survey practical education. The monitoring teams will observe the population and habitat conservation of the White-naped Crane by ▲observing habitat conditions (nesting, incubation, hatching, foraging activities) ▲checking construction status within the habitat area ▲guiding the public to refrain from entering sandbars along the riverbanks ▲monitoring changes in sandbars due to heavy rain, water pollution occurrences, and other notable issues.

In addition, starting June 15, the district will provide simulation education using virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) for vulnerable groups to fine dust such as infants, elementary, middle, and high school students, pregnant women, and the elderly within the region.

The education content includes ▲understanding fine dust correctly ▲introducing fine dust response policies ▲introducing foods that emit fine dust ▲changing lifestyle habits to prevent and reduce fine dust, along with hands-on experiences such as making fine dust kits, providing tailored fine dust environmental education by group.

The district plans to coordinate with schools, childcare facilities, and other institutions to adjust the education schedule according to the situation of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) going forward.

Mayor Dongjin Lee of Dobong-gu stated, "Through this Environment Day event, we expect it to be a good opportunity to reflect once again on environmental practices that can be steadily carried out for our one and only Earth, and we will continue to strive to promote and implement sustainable eco-friendly policies."

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