Korea's tidal flats are expected to be added to the UNESCO World Heritage list.
On June 5, the Cultural Heritage Administration and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced that the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), an advisory body for natural heritage to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, has recommended the expansion of the World Heritage designation for "Korea's Tidal Flats Phase 2."
The IUCN evaluated that "Korea's Tidal Flats Phase 2" meets the World Heritage criteria for biodiversity and the conservation of endangered species. Consequently, it recommended the approval of a boundary change to expand the existing World Heritage site of "Korea's Tidal Flats." This criterion refers to the most significant and meaningful natural habitats for the conservation of biological diversity, including endangered species, from a scientific and conservation perspective.
The application for this expansion includes adding the tidal flats of Yeosu, Goheung, Muan, and Seosan to the existing four tidal flats (Seocheon, Gochang, Sinan, and Boseong-Suncheon) that were inscribed on the World Heritage list during the 44th World Heritage Committee in 2021. If finalized, "Korea's Tidal Flats" will consist of a continuous heritage site with six components: Boseong-Suncheon-Yeosu-Goheung tidal flats, Sinan-Muan Bando tidal flats, Muan Hamhae tidal flats, Gochang tidal flats, Seocheon tidal flats, and Seosan tidal flats.
The IUCN suggested that efforts should continue to analyze the additional tidal flat areas and secure community support. It also recommended ensuring the sustainable continuation of traditional fishing and tidal flat resource harvesting practices, as well as strengthening international cooperation with relevant countries to preserve key habitats in the Yellow Sea ecosystem and the East Asia-Australasia migratory bird route.
The final decision on the registration of "Korea's Tidal Flats Phase 2" will be made at the 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting to be held in Busan in July. This will be the first time the World Heritage Committee convenes in Korea.
The Cultural Heritage Administration stated, "We plan to actively respond to ensure that the final registration decision is made at this World Heritage Committee meeting, following the recommendations of the IUCN."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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