Ulsan City, First Metropolitan Government to Receive the 'International Ecotourism Award'

Ulsan City and the Taehwagang Ecotourism Council have won the first 'International Ecotourism Award (IEA)' hosted by the Asian Ecotourism Network (AEN).

The International Ecotourism Award is a global award presented by the Asian Ecotourism Network in collaboration with the Global Ecotourism Network and regional ecotourism associations from Europe, North America, South America, and other areas. It was established in June last year focusing solely on ecotourism and was awarded for the first time this year.

The Asian Ecotourism Network is an international association led by President Masaru Takayama (Japan) and Vice President Kang Mihee (Korea), founded in 2015 with participation from 21 Asian countries. It is an organization that approves ecotourism site standards and conducts education.

The awards were given in 10 categories including regional public-private governance, sustainable buildings, community benefits, climate action, biodiversity conservation, waste management, ecotourism promotion, environmental leadership, ecotourism innovation, and community revitalization.

Ulsan City received high evaluations in the climate action category for its projects “Establishment of Street Tree and Park Rainwater Circulation System” and “Operation of Migratory Bird Tour Bus Using Electric Buses,” making it the only metropolitan local government in Korea to win the award.

Additionally, in the biodiversity conservation category, projects such as “Survey on the Habitat Status of Endangered Wildlife in Taehwagang and Removal of Spawning Grounds of Invasive Species” and “Observation and Video Production of Egret Breeding Process in Taehwagang Bamboo Forest” were recognized for excellence, with both Ulsan City and the Taehwagang Ecotourism Council receiving awards respectively.

An official from Ulsan City stated, “Among Asian ecotourism countries, local governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have jointly managed ecotourism sites and protected ecological resources such as climate change and species conservation, and these efforts have been recognized by ecotourism experts.”

The International Ecotourism Award was given to 16 entities across 6 countries (South Korea 6, Taiwan 3, Malaysia 1, Jordan 2, Philippines 3, Japan 1), including site management bodies, accommodation facilities, and NGOs. Domestic awardees include Ulsan City, Taehwagang Ecotourism Council, Jeju Ecotourism Council, and Wando County & Gudeuljang Conservation Council (joint application by local government and NGO).

Ulsan City Receives Award in Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation Category.

원본보기 아이콘

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.