[Gochang=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jaegil] A T/F team will be operated to systematically preserve and utilize the Gochang Mudflat, a World Natural Heritage site.
According to the county on the 21st, since the Gochang Mudflat was registered as a World Natural Heritage site (on July 31), a ‘World Natural Heritage T/F Team’ has been formed and operated to systematically manage the outstanding universal value of the heritage and to promote various projects.
The World Natural Heritage T/F Team was newly established under the Cultural Heritage Tourism Division and performs overall management roles related to the protection, management, and utilization of the World Heritage.
It also prepares a roadmap for the conservation and management of the Gochang Mudflat and conducts monitoring and academic research for heritage preservation.
Various projects for mudflat conservation, such as heritage tourism utilizing the World Heritage brand and the establishment of a regional management center, are also planned.
The Gochang Mudflat is a region with the highest level of biodiversity in Korea and is the largest wintering site in the country for the endangered Oriental stork, designated by the IUCN.
Therefore, the county plans to continuously consult with related organizations to systematically promote the conservation and monitoring of migratory bird habitats, management of pollution sources including marine debris, and investigation and restoration of the mudflat ecosystem to preserve the unique functions and values of the mudflat.
Earlier, at the World Heritage Committee meeting held at the end of July, Korea’s mudflats, including Gochang, were recognized for their outstanding universal value as biodiversity conservation areas and stopover sites for endangered migratory birds, and three sites were registered as World Natural Heritage.
Na Cheolju, head of the Cultural Heritage Tourism Division of Gochang County, said, “The Gochang Mudflat is a treasure trove of resources producing abundant marine products and a habitat with the world’s highest level of biodiversity, making its value great,” and added, “We will strive for systematic preservation management for the sustainable conservation and utilization of the Gochang Mudflat.”
Gochang=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jaegil gjg7070@asiae.co.kr
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