Jangnok Wetland, an Urban Ecological Treasure, Takes a Step Closer to Ramsar Registration

Home to 829 Endangered Species, a Treasure Trove of Urban Biodiversity
Gwangju City to Hold Residents’ Briefing on the 17th to Gather Feedback

Gwangju Metropolitan City is seeking to register Jangnok Wetland, a national wetland, as a Ramsar Wetland and is gathering feedback from local residents. The city plans to hold a residents’ briefing session on November 17 at the Iyagi Kkot Library inside the Eoryong-dong Administrative Welfare Center in Gwangsan District, where it will share the purpose and expected benefits of the registration.

Jangnok Wetland, a National Wetland. Provided by Gwangju City

According to Gwangju City on November 13, Jangnok Wetland is a nationally designated wetland protected area (designated in 2020) located in the lower reaches of the Hwangryong River. It is home to 829 species of wildlife, including the Eurasian otter (a first-grade endangered species), the leopard cat and Eurasian hobby (both second-grade endangered species), and the long-billed plover. With its rivers, reed beds, willow groves, and rocky islets, the area provides a diverse range of habitats and is considered a treasure trove of urban biodiversity.

Gwangju City officially requested Ramsar registration from the Ministry of Environment in April, and in September, the ministry replied that “Jangnok Wetland is a wetland with diverse habitats and excellent ecological functions, with 829 species, including endangered species, confirmed, making it rich in biodiversity,” signaling its intention to proceed with the registration.

The city plans to incorporate feedback from the residents’ briefing session and submit the Ramsar Information Sheet (RIS) to the Ministry of Environment in December. Afterward, the ministry will consult with relevant agencies and submit an application to the Ramsar Secretariat, which will make the final decision on registration following its review.

A Ramsar Wetland is a site designated under the Ramsar Convention to provide international protection for habitats that are biologically or geographically unique or rare. Jangnok Wetland has been confirmed to meet the standards for hosting endangered species and maintaining biodiversity.

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