Jeonnam Provincial Assembly Member Kim Yong-ho Points Out Urgent Need to Solve Marine Litter Problem

Kim Yong-ho, Jeonnam Provincial Assembly Member

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Jun-kyung] Kim Yong-ho, a member of the Jeonnam Provincial Assembly (Democratic Party·Gangjin 2), raised issues related to the amount of marine debris generated and proposed solutions during the 351st extraordinary session's provincial administration questioning on the 28th.

According to Assemblyman Kim Yong-ho, the total amount of marine debris generated last year was 26,700 tons, of which 22,300 tons were processed, leaving 4,400 tons unprocessed. The accumulated unprocessed debris has reached approximately 87,500 tons, causing damage to fishermen.

Assemblyman Kim stated, “According to the Basel Convention, an agreement to prevent the transboundary movement of hazardous waste, marine waste and plastic waste must be processed within the country,” adding, “It is now time for Jeonnam Province, which has the geographical characteristics of the Dadohae (Korean Archipelago) and proximity to China, to actively respond to marine waste.”

He continued, “In addition to waste generated according to geographical characteristics and waste from local fisheries, marine debris caused by natural disasters is also increasing, making national-level support inevitable,” and added, “Jeonnam Province will take the lead in securing national funding.”

Furthermore, he pointed out, “Although a large amount of marine waste is generated, the organization and budget management are significantly insufficient compared to other provinces,” and emphasized, “A thorough review of related departments such as increasing personnel and ongoing projects is required for efficient task execution and project promotion.”

He concluded, “As a maritime and fisheries province, Jeonnam must protect the nearby seas, and special attention and proactive, preemptive responses from Jeonnam Province are necessary to safeguard the sea, which is Jeonnam’s resource.”

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