Suncheonman Black Crane International Symposium to Feature Experts from Korea, China, Japan, and Russia

To Be Held at Suncheonman Wetland from November 5 to 7
Exploring Strategies for Migratory Bird Conservation and Climate Crisis Response
Sharing Nature-Based Solutions from Suncheonman

Suncheon City in South Jeolla Province announced on October 28 that it will host the '2025 Suncheonman Black Crane International Symposium' for three days from November 5 to 7 at the Suncheonman Ecological Culture Education Center and throughout the Suncheonman Wetland area.

'2025 Suncheonman Black Crane International Symposium' poster. Provided by Suncheon City

This symposium is supported by the National Heritage Administration, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the Korean Society of Ornithology, the Korea Waterbird Network, the International Crane Foundation (ICF), the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP), and the East Asian Ramsar Regional Center. Under the theme 'Black Crane Conservation and International Cooperation in Northeast Asia,' experts from four countries-Korea, China, Japan, and Russia-as well as representatives from international organizations, civic groups, and local governments will participate to discuss strategies for migratory bird conservation and responses to the climate crisis.

Since being designated as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in 2021, Suncheonman has not only gained global recognition for its ecological value as a cradle of life, but has also been expanding into the neighboring Yeoja Bay, forming the 'Southern Coast Black Crane Belt' that connects Yeosu, Goheung, and Boseong. In 2023, Suncheon also signed the 'Black Crane Skyway Conservation MOU' with Yeosu, Goheung, Boseong, and Seosan, and in August became the first basic local government in Korea to join the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), further strengthening its foundation for international cooperation.

On the first day of the symposium, November 5, Suncheon City, the International Crane Foundation, the Korean Society of Ornithology, and the Korea Waterbird Network will sign a business agreement, followed by a keynote lecture and an international cooperation session with participants from Korea, China, Japan, and Russia.

On November 6, there will be a session on regional cooperation on the Korean Peninsula and a comprehensive discussion. In the afternoon, a side event will be held in the Anpung Wetland area to remove utility poles as part of efforts to expand black crane habitats. On the final day, November 7, the symposium will conclude with a field visit to monitor black cranes in the Yeoja Bay area.

Mayor Noh Gwan-gyu stated, "Suncheon's efforts to protect tidal flats and remove utility poles from farmland for the sake of black cranes have become a significant milestone, demonstrating not only the protection of migratory birds but also how humanity and nature can coexist. I hope that all citizens will become guardians of the value of life so that the black cranes' wings never stop beating."

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