Government to Restore 4.5㎢ of Tidal Flats by 2025... Introduction of Tidal Flat 5-Grade System

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Haeyoung] The government plans to restore 4.5㎢ of tidal flats by 2025 to absorb carbon and manage tidal flats by dividing them into five grades based on environment and ecology.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries reported the '1st Basic Plan for the Management and Restoration of Tidal Flats, etc. (2021-2025)' at the Cabinet meeting held on the 28th. Korean tidal flats are known as a treasure trove of resources producing about 90,000 tons of marine products annually and possessing world-class biodiversity. They absorb 260,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually, drawing attention as a carbon sink in the marine sector.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries will first carry out a vegetation afforestation project planting halophytes such as reeds on tidal flats, targeting a total area of 660㎢ by 2050. The plan aims to absorb 230,000 tons of carbon dioxide through this. Starting next year, a pilot project will be conducted on two tidal flats covering a total of 10㎢.

At the same time, the tidal flat restoration project, which had been promoted through improvements of abandoned salt fields and fish farms, will be diversified to restore a total area of 4.5㎢ of tidal flats by 2025.

A comprehensive survey of the environment, ecology, and pollution status of all domestic tidal flats will be conducted every five years, and based on the survey results, tidal flats will be classified and managed into five grades: 'Excellent, Good, Average, Caution, and Management.'

For tidal flats that require conservation or where use is suspended for a certain period, the government will introduce an 'Ecosystem Service Payment System' that compensates for income lost due to restrictions on fishing activities and supports costs for environmental conservation activities.

Regarding pollution sources such as livestock farms in tidal flats and adjacent areas, an integrated management system will be established to strengthen the management of land-based pollution sources.

A 'Zoning Management System by Use' will also be introduced to manage tidal flats by dividing them into five zones: conservation, safety management, rest, production, and experience. Separately, tidal flats that meet environmental and hygiene standards based on the tidal flat survey results will be designated as 'Clean Tidal Flats,' and marine products produced in these tidal flats will be branded and sales supported.

The government plans to establish a 'Tidal Flat Support Center' (tentative name) to systematically and integrally manage tidal flats and support the operation of regional committees.

Moon Seong-hyeok, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, said, "The 1st Basic Plan, established in line with the international trend toward environmental conservation and carbon neutrality, will be a milestone for the wise use and sustainability of tidal flats over the next five years," adding, "We will cooperate with related ministries and local governments to carry out the plan without any setbacks."

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