Ministry of Environment Conducts Detailed Survey of Wetland Ecosystems in Six Upper Dam Areas with Excellent Natural Environment Including Imha Dam

Willow grove in the upper stream area of Imha Dam Songgang Wetland.

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Joo Sang-don] The Ministry of Environment announced on the 28th that, together with the National Institute of Ecology and Korea Water Resources Corporation, it will conduct a detailed investigation of the wetland ecosystems in six upstream dam areas with excellent natural environments from this year through 2023.

The six wetlands in the upstream dam areas are Imha Dam Songgang Wetland, Andong Dam Dansa Wetland, Boryeong Dam Punggy Wetland, Jangheung Dam Omcheon Reed Wetland, Chungju Dam Deokcheon Wetland, and Hoengseong Dam Podong Wetland.

The Ministry of Environment selected these six wetlands, judged to have particularly excellent natural environments, from among 22 outstanding wetlands managed by Korea Water Resources Corporation. After conducting a detailed investigation of the ecosystems, they plan to designate these areas as wetland protection zones.

The investigation will cover fields such as topography, geology, sediments, hydrology, water quality, vegetation, flora, birds, fish, mammals, terrestrial insects, amphibians and reptiles, and benthic large invertebrates.

The investigation will begin this year with Imha Dam Songgang Wetland, followed by surveys of the remaining wetlands in order of priority based on the current status of ecosystems and urgency of conservation.

In the case of Imha Dam Songgang Wetland, where the investigation starts this year, previous preliminary studies confirmed the habitat of various wildlife species, including three endangered wild species such as the spotted snout minnow.

Hong Jeong-seop, Director of Natural Conservation Policy at the Ministry of Environment, said, "We will continue to strive to conserve Korea’s wetland ecosystems and biodiversity through ongoing collaboration with affiliated and related organizations."

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