Gochang-gun to Host 'World Wetlands Day Commemoration Event' on the 22nd

Published 17 May.2024 10:20(KST)

Gochang-gun, Jeollabuk-do announced on the 17th that it will hold the ‘2024 World Wetlands Day Commemoration Event’ on the 22nd at the Simwon-myeon World Premium Tidal Flat Ecological District.

The county has three wetland protection areas: the coastal wetland ‘Gochang Tidal Flat,’ the inland wetlands ‘Ungok Wetland’ and ‘Incheon River Estuary.’

World Wetlands Day Commemoration Event Poster. <br>Photo by Gochang-gun

World Wetlands Day Commemoration Event Poster.
Photo by Gochang-gun

Among them, Gochang Tidal Flat is a key stopover site on migratory bird routes where 164 bird species, including endangered species, have been observed, and it is a treasure trove of ecosystems.

Recognizing this value, it was registered as a World Natural Heritage site in 2021 as part of the continuous heritage ‘Korean Tidal Flats.’

Under the theme ‘Living with Wetlands, Hope for the Future,’ this commemorative event will include awards for wetland contributors, congratulatory performances, and commemorative performances.

In particular, the ‘Together Wetlands Festa,’ featuring over 20 ecological tourism experience booths such as the World Natural Heritage Gochang Tidal Flat promotion campaign, upcycling experiences, and environmental education, will be operated to provide a variety of attractions.

‘World Wetlands Day’ is designated to commemorate the signing date of the Ramsar Convention (February 2, 1971) and to globally raise awareness of the value and importance of wetlands.

Since 2002, Korea has co-hosted the event annually, alternating between the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Ministry of Environment.

Sim Deok-seop, the county governor, said, “I am pleased that such a meaningful commemorative event as World Wetlands Day will be held in Gochang-gun,” adding, “We will prepare a substantial event together with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Jeollabuk-do Special Self-Governing Province, and the Korea Marine Environment Management Corporation, providing visitors to Gochang with an opportunity to personally experience the ‘Outstanding Universal Value (OUV)’ and importance of the Gochang Tidal Flat.”