Muan-gun, Visit by International Tidal Flat Experts on World Natural Heritage

Provisional World Natural Heritage List 'Muan Gaetbul' Gains Attention as an International Tidal Flat

Muan County, Jeollanam-do (Governor Kim San) announced on the 25th that it visited the Common Secretariat of the Wadden Sea Three Countries (CWSS) in Germany and the Queensland Wader Study Group (QWSG) in Australia on the 24th to inspect the Muan mudflat, a prospective World Heritage site.

The Common Wadden Sea Secretariat (CWSS) of the three Wadden Sea countries in Germany and the Queensland Wader Study Group (QWSG) from Australia visited Muan County and took a commemorative photo with County Governor Kim San. [Photo by Muan County]

The Muan mudflat is currently undergoing the process of being registered as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site by 2026, including the existing protected wetland area of Hampyeong Bay (42㎢) and the additional Tando Bay (80㎢).

The delegation visited Muan County after attending the '2024 Mudflat World Natural Heritage International Symposium' held from the 17th to the 19th at Songdo Convensia in Incheon City. They toured the Muan mudflat, the first ecologically well-preserved protected wetland area, and discussed restoration and sustainable conservation management plans for the mudflat.

Heo Jae-kyung, Director of the Ecological Mudflat Project Office, said, "We will do our best to have the Muan mudflat designated as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site," adding, "We will establish international consensus and implement eco-friendly mudflat conservation policies that balance development and preservation through continuous policy exchanges."

Muan = Oh Hwan-joo, Honam Reporting Headquarters, Asia Economy just8440@asiae.co.kr