Seoul City Doubles the Size of Amsa-dong Ecological and Landscape Conservation Area, a Natural Ecosystem Treasure

Additional Designation of Amsa Ecological Park in Amsa-dong Ecological and Landscape Conservation Area
Systematic Conservation and Management Plan Established for Amsa Ecological Park Inhabited by Endangered Species Such as Leopard Cats and Eurasian Sparrowhawks

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The ecological treasure trove ‘Amsa-dong Ecological and Landscape Conservation Area,’ home to hundreds of species including the natural monument Eurasian sparrowhawk, common kestrel, and Seoul city-protected species barn swallow, will be expanded to more than twice its current size.

On the 6th, Seoul City announced that it designated the area near ‘Amsa Ecological Park,’ which is rich in biodiversity and has beautiful natural scenery worthy of special ecological protection, as the ‘Amsa-dong Ecological and Landscape Conservation Area,’ and also designated ‘Amsa Ecological Park’ as a buffer zone. Amsa Ecological Park serves as a connecting link between the existing ecological and landscape conservation area and the surrounding natural ecological spaces.

Accordingly, the ‘Amsa-dong Ecological and Landscape Conservation Area’ has been expanded to a total of 270,279㎡ by adding the buffer zone of Amsa Ecological Park (143,435㎡) to the core area of the previously designated region (126,844㎡). Seoul’s ecological and landscape conservation areas are designated and managed under the ‘Seoul Metropolitan Government Natural Environment Conservation Ordinance.’

The expanded designated ‘Amsa Ecological Park’ is a large-scale ecological park that Seoul City restored in 2008 by removing the concrete embankment along the Han River and creating a natural ecological space with reed and silver grass colonies and walking trails, while expanding habitats for wildlife.

It operates ecological exploration and learning programs so that citizens can vividly experience nature within the city. In September last year, it was confirmed that the endangered level 2 species ‘Salk’ (Asian wildcat) inhabits the area, signaling a positive sign of ecosystem recovery.

With the designation of ‘Amsa Ecological Park’ as part of the ‘Amsa-dong Ecological and Landscape Conservation Area,’ Seoul City plans to manage it in connection with the natural ecological value of the existing area. Based on accumulated ecosystem monitoring and species change data, the city will establish plans for ecosystem conservation and management. Detailed measures to control invasive species will also be developed to enhance the ecological value.

Meanwhile, since designating Hangang Bamseom Island in 1999, Seoul City has designated and managed 17 ecological and landscape conservation areas including Amsa-dong to date. This is the highest number among all cities and provinces nationwide, with a total area reaching 4,961,571㎡.

Ecological and landscape conservation areas not only provide habitats for urban wildlife but also serve as places for citizens to rest by purifying air pollution and reducing temperature, establishing themselves as ecological treasures.

Yoo Young-bong, Director of Seoul City’s Green City Bureau, said, “Seoul’s ecological and landscape conservation areas hold great value as spaces where diverse species can coexist within a developed city,” and added, “Seoul City will continue to strive to enhance the value of ecological assets and improve ecological welfare within green nature.”

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