Migratory Birds Also Captivated by Anyangcheon Ecosystem's New Heart... Yeongdeungpo-gu Wins Excellence Award in Natural Environment Competition

November 28: Excellence Award in the 'Natural Environment Awards' Contest Hosted by the Korea Ecological Restoration Association
Secured National Funding for Wetland Ecosystem Restoration, Invasive Species Removal, and Rest Area Creation along Anyangcheon Riverside
Committed to Preserving Ecological Heritage as a Space for Ecology, Culture, Healing, and a Hub of Waterside Culture

Yeongdeungpo-gu (District Mayor Choi Ho-kwon) announced that the “Anyangcheon Riverside Migratory Bird Nesting and Ecological Rest Area Creation” project was awarded the Excellence Prize at the 24th Natural Environment Awards Contest held on the 28th of last month at the aT Center in Yangjae-dong.

The “Natural Environment Awards Contest” is sponsored by the Ministry of Environment and organized by the Korea Ecological Restoration Association. It is an event designed to discover and promote exemplary cases of ecological restoration of habitats, parks, and green spaces nationwide.

In this contest, the district was honored with the Excellence Prize for the “Anyangcheon Riverside Migratory Bird Nesting and Ecological Rest Area Creation” project, which focuses on restoring the wetland ecosystem functions within the Anyangcheon floodplain, rehabilitating habitats for wildlife, and creating ecological learning spaces.

Originally, the area had a naturally growing colony of willows for decades, giving it high ecological value, but it had been neglected without proper management for a long time.

Accordingly, as part of the ecological conservation burden return project, the district invested 430 million KRW in national funds to expand the ecological space around the willow colony and created an ecological wetland habitat for birds and other wildlife by utilizing existing waterways and groundwater.

Subsequently, strong riparian plants such as silver grass and reeds were planted to improve the landscape, and invasive plants like the tree of heaven, which disrupt the ecosystem, were removed to restore the vegetation of the damaged area.

Additionally, rest facilities such as observation decks and willow shelters were established for residents and cyclists, transforming Anyangcheon into a space where ecology and culture coexist and a center for waterfront culture.

Going forward, the district plans to operate various ecological programs linked to Anyangcheon, including migratory bird and river fish ecosystem observation and wildflower interpretation, making it an ecological wetland space enjoyed by the whole family.

Furthermore, the district intends to continuously promote ecological restoration projects to systematically rehabilitate areas overrun by harmful plants such as mile-a-minute weed and oriental bittersweet. Even in Yeongdeungpo-gu, which lacks mountains, the district plans to expand waterfront vitality hubs so residents can enjoy natural scenery and leisure culture close to their living areas.

Choi Ho-kwon, Mayor of Yeongdeungpo-gu, stated, “This award is the result of the district’s efforts to make Anyangcheon, which has excellent potential, a heritage of ecological environment and a resting and leisure space for residents.” He added, “We will continue to strive to transform the ecological waterfront space into a harmonious and vibrant place where people and nature coexist.”

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