Gyeonggi-do Establishes Management Plan for 'Gwangneung Forest UNESCO Biosphere Reserve'

Five Key Promotion Strategies and 19 Detailed Projects Derived for a 'Sustainable Development Model'

2021 Gwangneung Forest Biosphere Reserve Forum Photo Materials [Gyeonggi-do]

[Asia Economy Reporter La Young-cheol] Gyeonggi Province announced on the 25th that it has established and begun implementing the "Gwangneung Forest Biosphere Reserve Management Plan (2022?2026)" to create a sustainable development model for the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Gwangneung Forest.

According to the province, this management plan was developed as a concrete measure to implement the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve International Coordinating Council's recommendation to "promote cooperation among local governments and revitalize biosphere reserves." The plan was formulated through a research project conducted from March last year to February this year.

The plan aims for a "sustainable development model harmonizing humans and the biosphere" and derives five key strategies: ▲conservation of natural resources ▲utilization and development of natural resources ▲revitalization of the local economy ▲operation and management of the biosphere reserve management center ▲education, publicity, and strengthening residents' capabilities.

Accordingly, 19 detailed projects for the conservation and development of the biosphere reserve have been set as priority tasks from this year through 2026.

Specifically, these include ▲restoration of endangered species (such as the longhorn beetle Jangsu-haneulso and Gwangneung pitcher plant) ▲eradication of invasive species ▲maintenance of trail paths ▲construction of new parking lots and environmental improvements ▲creation of car-free streets ▲support for wildflower cultivation techniques ▲support projects for resident communities.

In particular, starting this year, training programs for resident activists and capacity-building education programs will be conducted with the cooperation of the Korea National Arboretum, and an ecological education program for children, aimed at future generations, will also be launched.

Furthermore, efforts will focus on establishing governance for systematic management, including cooperation among related local governments and network activities with domestic and international biosphere reserves.

The "Gwangneung Forest Biosphere Reserve" was designated as a biosphere reserve at the 22nd UNESCO MAB (Man and the Biosphere) General Assembly in 2010. It covers an area of 24,465 hectares across Namyangju City, Uijeongbu City, and Pocheon City, and is divided into core, buffer, and transition zones according to function.

At the 33rd UNESCO Biosphere Reserve International Coordinating Council (MAB-ICC) meeting held in Abuja, Nigeria, in September last year, the "periodic report" of the Gwangneung Forest Biosphere Reserve was adopted, maintaining its international status as a biosphere reserve.

In November last year, the "Gyeonggi Province Biosphere Reserve Management Ordinance" was fully revised, establishing the institutional basis for an integrated management system of biosphere reserves within the province.

Lee Sung-gyu, Director of the Forestry Division, stated, "With the establishment of this biosphere reserve management plan, we will strive to conserve the excellent ecological resources of Gwangneung Forest and improve the quality of life for local residents. We will cooperate with related organizations to ensure thorough implementation of the plan."

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