Suncheon-si Wins 'Grand Prize' in Local Internationalization Best Practices Contest

Published 13 Dec.2023 07:25(KST)

Endangered Bird Species Protection, International Cooperation Praised

Suncheon City in Jeollanam-do announced on the 11th that it won the Grand Prize at the ‘2023 Local Government Internationalization Best Practices Contest’ hosted by the Korea Council of Governors.

The city received high praise for its internationalization best practice titled ‘International Cooperation for the Protection of Endangered Bird Species’ among 17 metropolitan cities and provinces and 243 local governments nationwide.

[Photo by Suncheon City]

In particular, the project to connect the migratory routes of the black-faced spoonbill across Korea, China, Japan, and Russia strengthened inter-country cooperation; the establishment of a domestic black-faced spoonbill mayoral network enhanced regional collaboration; hosting the 11th Asia Bird Expo promoted birdwatching culture; and the creation of a global wetland cities mayoral network pledged information sharing among wetland cities worldwide. These field-centered internationalization initiatives received great acclaim from evaluators.

Additionally, the Japanese NHK broadcasting station and the Foreign Correspondents’ Club in Korea aired the conservation efforts of Suncheon Bay and the protection of the black-faced spoonbill to 160 countries worldwide, contributing to the enhancement of Suncheon Bay’s international recognition.

Mayor Noh Gwan-gyu stated, “Through solidarity and cooperation between countries and regions, we will respond to the climate crisis and species extinction, creating a model future city where both people and birds can thrive.”