Wando-gun Entire Area Designated as UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

Published 16 Sep.2021 16:15(KST)

Expected Contributions to Enhancing Regional Brand Value, Increasing Residents' Income, and Economic Development

Wando Biosphere Reserve Zoning Map ⓒ Asia Economy

[Wando＝Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Kyung-pil] Jeonnam Wando-gun (Governor Shin Woo-cheol) announced on the 16th that the entire area of Wando-gun was designated as a Biosphere Reserve at the 33rd UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) International Coordinating Council held in Abuja, Nigeria on the 15th.

A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is a pristine area recognized by UNESCO worldwide as having outstanding conservation value and is one of the three major protected areas designated by UNESCO (Biosphere Reserves, World Heritage Sites, Global Geoparks).

In Korea, eight sites have been registered starting with Seoraksan in 1982, followed by Jeju Island, Sinan Dadohae, Gwangneung Forest, Gochang, Suncheon, Gangwon, and Yeoncheon Imjingang, with Wando-gun being the ninth designated area.

The county expects that the designation as a Biosphere Reserve will enhance its international status, promote local specialties, activate eco-tourism, and improve residents' income.

Meanwhile, it is known that Biosphere Reserves do not impose restrictions beyond existing domestic laws, so they do not cause inconvenience to residents.

Wando-gun features a complex ecosystem that connects terrestrial, coastal, and marine environments, formed by 265 large and small islands that cannot be found in other regions.

Additionally, it was highly evaluated for its unique values such as Wando Arboretum, the largest subtropical forest in Korea; Cheongsando, Asia’s first Slow City; and its clean sea and tidal flats inhabited by over 2,200 species of diverse marine life, seaweeds, corals, and other marine protected species, leading to its designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

The Wando Biosphere Reserve consists of three zones?core, buffer, and transition?centered around Soando, Cheongsando, Bogildo, and Wando Arboretum, covering the entire county area.

The county has been pursuing the designation of the Biosphere Reserve since 2017, holding more than 40 strategic meetings and five resident briefings over three years to encourage resident participation and understanding.

In May last year, the preliminary application passed UNESCO review, and in July, the formal application was submitted. After the March review by the MAB Korea Committee this year, it was finally designated as a Biosphere Reserve at the 33rd International Coordinating Council.

Governor Shin Woo-cheol said, “I am honored and pleased that the designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve recognizes the value of our region’s natural environment and cultural resources,” adding, “We will do our best to systematically conserve biodiversity and achieve sustainable development where humans and nature coexist.”

The county plans to develop eco-tourism programs utilizing the UNESCO brand and balance conservation and development by linking with its key marine healing industry project, while achieving sustainable development of the local community.

A county official stated, “We plan to proceed with logo development, management plan establishment, ordinance enactment, and resident education projects.”