Incheon’s Deokjeokdo Declares ‘Zero-Waste Island’ to Promote Low-Carbon Tourism Culture

Deokjeokdo, a well-known island tourist destination in Incheon, is set to transform into a 'zero-waste island.'

On August 15, the Incheon Metropolitan Government, together with the Incheon Sustainable Development Council, will hold a proclamation ceremony for the zero-waste island initiative at the Deokjeokdo dock in Ongjin County. The event will be attended by members of the Deokjeok-myeon Residents' Association and students from Deokjeok Middle and High Schools, in connection with the operation of the 'Carbon Neutral Climate Citizen Community.'

Deokjeokdo is a leading marine tourism destination in Incheon and has been selected as a target site for the '2025 Incheon Carbon Neutral Climate Citizen Community' project. As its rich ecological and cultural resources have attracted increasing attention, the number of visitors has surged recently, leading to worsening issues with household waste and tourist litter.

Aerial View of Deokjeokdo Island

The city plans to promote initiatives such as minimizing the use of disposable products, strengthening waste separation, and encouraging tourists to take their trash with them, with participation from island residents, merchants, and visitors. Promotional materials for carbon neutrality practices will be displayed at accommodations, and tourists will be provided with pay-as-you-throw garbage bags and bamboo toothbrushes.

In addition, a resident-led Carbon Neutral Climate Citizen Community will be organized to establish practices for marine environment conservation, energy saving, and resource circulation. The city also plans to lay the groundwork for creating a '2026 Carbon Neutral Island RE100 Model Village.'

An official from the Incheon Metropolitan Government stated, "Deokjeokdo, a 'zero-waste island' created by both residents and travelers, will become a symbol leading Incheon's low-carbon tourism culture," adding, "We will actively support the spread of carbon-neutral practices throughout the local community."

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