The tidal flats of Yeosu, Goheung, and Muan in Jeonnam Gwangju Unified Special City have been newly included in the UNESCO World Natural Heritage list, highlighting the ecological value and conservation importance of the region's tidal flats.
With the tidal flats under Jeonnam Gwangju Unified Special City now accounting for approximately 88% of the total area of the 'Korean Tidal Flats' World Heritage site, the role of local governments in the systematic conservation and management of this global natural heritage is expected to increase.
On October 29, Jeonnam Gwangju Unified Special City held a ceremony at the Yeosu World Island Expo to commemorate the expanded listing of the 'Korean Tidal Flats' as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site and announced plans to strengthen conservation cooperation with relevant agencies and local communities.
This expansion was confirmed at the 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting held in Busan in July.
Previously, in 2021, the tidal flats of Boseong, Suncheon, Sinan, Gochang, and Seocheon were designated as World Natural Heritage sites, and this year, the tidal flats of Yeosu, Goheung, Muan, and Seosan were added.
As a result, the components of the World Heritage site have been expanded from four to six, and the total area has increased from 1,284 km² to 1,571 km², an increase of 287 km².
This expansion is significant not only for the ecological value of individual tidal flats but also for enhancing the connectivity between them and the overall integrity of the World Heritage site.
The Korean tidal flats serve as a major stopover for migratory birds traveling between East Asia and Oceania and are an ecological space inhabited by diverse marine life. They play a crucial role in climate change response and coastal environmental preservation as a blue carbon ecosystem that absorbs and stores carbon.
The ceremony was attended by over 200 participants, including Heo Min, head of the National Heritage Administration, Kang Myung-soo, Deputy Mayor of Jeonnam Gwangju Unified Special City, and Seo Young-hak, Mayor of Yeosu, along with officials from central and local governments, community members, and experts.
The event began with the presentation of the UNESCO World Heritage certificate, followed by awards for those who contributed to the expanded listing, the presentation of gratitude plaques to community members and experts, and a ceremony to commemorate the listing.
Following the expansion of the World Heritage site, maintaining the ecological characteristics of the tidal flats while harmonizing conservation and management with the livelihoods of local residents will emerge as a critical task.
Given that tidal flats are feeding grounds for migratory birds, habitats for marine life, and closely linked to the livelihoods of local residents, a balance between ecosystem protection and sustainable use is essential.
Jeonnam Gwangju Unified Special City plans to collaborate with the National Heritage Administration, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the Korean Tidal Flats World Heritage Promotion Team, relevant cities and counties, and local communities to systematically preserve the outstanding universal value of the World Heritage site and develop utilization plans that reflect local characteristics.
Kang Myung-soo, Deputy Mayor of Industry and Economy, stated, “This expansion recognizes the ecological value and conservation importance of Korea's tidal flats on an international level. We will continue to work closely with relevant agencies to systematically preserve this precious natural heritage and promote its value.”
Meanwhile, the 'Korean Tidal Flats' was first designated as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in 2021, and this expansion has increased both the area and the number of protected regions. As Jeonnam Gwangju Unified Special City oversees approximately 88% of the total heritage area, it plans to work with relevant agencies to conserve the biodiversity of the tidal flats and establish a sustainable management system.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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