Ulleung County Signs MOU for Dokdo Natural Ecosystem Preservation and Safety Environment Creation

Protection of Outstanding Ecosystem and Biodiversity in Dokdo

Daegu Regional Environmental Office - Gyeongbuk Provincial Police Agency - Ulleung County

Ulleung County in North Gyeongsang Province signed a business agreement at the Ulleung County Office on May 27 with the Daegu Regional Environmental Office and the North Gyeongsang Provincial Police Agency to create a safe environment and preserve the natural ecosystem of Dokdo.

Agreement Signed for the Conservation of Dokdo's Natural Ecosystem and Creation of a Safe Environment.

The signing ceremony was attended by Nam Han-gwon, Governor of Ulleung County, Seo Heung-won, Head of the Daegu Regional Environmental Office, and Ban Ki-soo, Director of Public Safety at the North Gyeongsang Provincial Police Agency. The parties agreed to cooperate in promoting activities to preserve Dokdo’s natural ecosystem and to share human, intellectual, and material resources among the institutions.

According to the agreement, Ulleung County and related agencies will not only work to preserve the natural ecosystem of Dokdo but also carry out activities to protect the territory safely. They plan to communicate and cooperate in various fields to promote the sustainable development and use of Dokdo and to establish biological sovereignty.

Dokdo, which is a major breeding ground for seabirds such as the Black-tailed Gull and Swinhoe's Storm Petrel, was designated as the Dokdo Natural Protection Zone (Natural Monument No. 336) in December 1999. Due to its diverse and unique vegetation, it was also designated as the first Specific Island in September 2000. Furthermore, with its outstanding geological and geomorphological heritage, it was certified as the first National Geopark in December 2012, with landmarks such as Doklipmunbawi, Sutdolbawi, Cheonjang Cave, and Samhyeongjegulbawi recognized as geological attractions.

Governor Nam Han-gwon stated, "Dokdo, located at the easternmost point of our country, is an island with a high need for ecological preservation and research value due to its unique species and distinctive topography and landscape resulting from its geographical and climatic characteristics. Preserving Dokdo’s excellent natural environment is part of protecting our territory, and I hope that through this agreement, the related agencies will cooperate for the sustainable development and use of Dokdo."