Gwangyang Seomjingang Jaecheopjabi Sontle Fishery Officially Certified as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System

First in the Domestic Fisheries Sector... Strengthening Global Promotion Activities
Gwangyang City to Share the Value of Traditional Fisheries and Operate Pilot Schools for Technical Succession

Gwangyang City in South Jeolla Province (Mayor Jung Inhwa) announced that on October 30th, at the headquarters of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Rome, Italy, the "Gwangyang Seomjingang Jaecheopjabi Sontle Fishery" was officially certified as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS), becoming the first in the domestic fisheries sector to receive this recognition.

This certification is an official acknowledgment by the international community of the traditional value and ecological sustainability of the "Gwangyang Seomjingang Jaecheopjabi Sontle Fishery." The event was attended by Mayor Jung Inhwa of Gwangyang, delegations from other registered regions such as Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, Hadong County, Namhae County, and Uljin County, as well as FAO officials.

On October 30th, at the headquarters of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Rome, Italy, the "Gwangyang Seomjingang Jaecheopjabi Hand Frame Fishery" was officially certified as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS), becoming the first in the domestic fishery sector to receive this recognition. Provided by Gwangyang City

At the ceremony, Godfrey Magwenzi, Deputy Director-General of the FAO from Zimbabwe, personally presented the certificate. The participants highly praised the Sontle Fishery for its foundation in community cooperation and ecological sustainability as a traditional fishery, and they deeply resonated with its conservation value.

During the event, Gwangyang City introduced the history, ecological value, and traditional fishing gear of the "Seomjingang Jaecheopjabi Sontle Fishery" at the GIAHS exhibition, drawing significant interest from international participants.

In particular, at the tasting event held alongside the exhibition, local specialties representing Gwangyang-such as plum extract, plum candy, and gim bugak-were showcased and received an enthusiastic response. Attendees highly praised the outstanding quality of Gwangyang's agricultural and marine products, which are shaped by the region's pristine natural environment.

Prior to the award ceremony, on October 30th, Gwangyang City held a meeting with high-ranking officials from international organizations, including Kaveh Zahedi, Director of the FAO Secretariat, to discuss the conservation of the Seomjingang River basin's ecological environment and sustainable traditional fishery management policies centered on local residents.

During this meeting, Gwangyang City discussed cooperative measures with the FAO for the preservation of traditional fishery heritage and the revitalization of fishing communities, expressing its commitment to expanding future exchanges.

The city also outlined its medium- and long-term initiatives for sustainable management of jaecheop resources and the succession of traditional fisheries, and announced plans to pursue balanced regional economic development and environmental conservation through an ESG-based co-prosperity management model.

Mayor Jung Inhwa stated, "The Gwangyang Seomjingang Jaecheopjabi Sontle Fishery is a precious heritage created by the lives and wisdom of local residents, in harmony with nature, over hundreds of years. With this official GIAHS certification, we will share the value of traditional fisheries with the international community and implement various policies and support measures to ensure the sustainable development of our fishing villages."

Gwangyang City plans to use this visit to Rome as an opportunity to strengthen exchange and cooperation networks among GIAHS-listed regions and to actively promote the preservation and international awareness of traditional fisheries through collaboration with the FAO.

Additionally, the city will continue diverse promotional activities to enhance global recognition of the "Gwangyang Seomjingang Jaecheopjabi Sontle Fishery," and will further reinforce the intergenerational transmission of tradition through follow-up projects such as operating pilot schools for sustainable resource management and technical succession of jaecheop fisheries.

Meanwhile, following the award ceremony, the Gwangyang City delegation will continue their visit to sign an international friendship city agreement with the Township of Langley in Metro Vancouver, Canada, and will discuss cooperation measures through promotional events and visits to major institutions and facilities.

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