Biodiversity Conservation and National Attention vs. Concerns Over Restrictions on Fishing and Regional Development
South Chungcheong Province: "World Heritage Listing Will Highlight the Importance of Preserving Natural Heritage"
Taean County: "We Question Whether Residents Have Been Properly Informed About the Pros and Cons of World Heritage Listing"
As it became known that South Chungcheong Province applied for UNESCO World Heritage listing for "Seosan Garorimman," a heated debate has erupted within the local community.
There is a sharp divide between those supporting the listing for biodiversity conservation and those opposing it due to inevitable restrictions on fishing activities and regional development.
Recently, South Chungcheong Province submitted an application to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee through the National Heritage Administration to register Garorimman as the second phase of the World Heritage Site "Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats."
UNESCO designates and preserves World Heritage Sites that possess "outstanding universal value" worldwide. Currently, there are two World (Natural) Heritage Sites in Korea: "Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes" and "Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats."
The provincial government believes that if Garorimman is listed as a World Heritage Site, it will greatly benefit from enhanced biodiversity conservation, sustainable management, and increased national attention.
On the other hand, the positions of the local governments are divided.
In particular, questions have been raised as South Chungcheong Province applied under the name "Seosan Garorimman," excluding Taean, even though Garorimman is shared by Seosan City and Taean County. It was confirmed that Taean County has consistently opposed the application, citing lack of resident acceptance and other reasons, even before the province submitted its application.
Taean County's opposition is summarized in three main points: possible restrictions on various development projects including the National Route 38 sea bridge project, concerns about dual regulations due to divided management authorities for Garorimman, and restrictions on fishing activities and regional development affecting local residents such as fishermen.
A Taean County official stated, "Taean County already expressed to the Cultural Heritage Administration and related agencies in 2023 that applying for UNESCO listing is inappropriate due to restrictions on development activities," adding, "We question whether the pros and cons of World Heritage listing have been properly communicated to residents around Garorimman in Taean County and Seosan City."
The official continued, "Taean County will not pursue World Heritage listing until conditions are met, and our position is not one of unconditional opposition but rather that it is premature. We will comprehensively gather resident opinions and make a mid- to long-term judgment on the timing of the application."
In summary, Taean County's stance is that securing resident acceptance should be prioritized, as various restrictions on large-scale projects and fishing activities are inevitable if the area is designated as a World Heritage Site.
In fact, in the case of nearby Seocheon County, in 2022, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries did not approve the installation of a coastal deck within a World Heritage designated area because prior consultation with the Cultural Heritage Administration was required.
Additionally, in 2021, fishermen in Ganghwa County, Incheon, opposed the World Heritage listing application due to restrictions on fishing activities, delays in regional development, and additional regulations that hindered fishing operations. This has led to concerns that opposition from fishermen to the province's current application will continue to grow.
Meanwhile, the final decision on the World Heritage listing for "Seosan Garorimman" will be made at the 48th World Heritage Committee meeting next July, following an evaluation by the expert review body IUCN.
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