Fairy Pitta Found at Ilgok Park in Gwangju... Environmental Groups Call for Construction Halt

Omission of Environmental Impact Assessment Form Information
Gwangju City Maintains Plan to Continue Construction

The Pal색조, a Class 2 endangered wild species and Natural Monument No. 204. Provided by Jin Hyesook of the Gwangju Urban Bird Census Citizen Survey Team.

After the legally protected species, the Fairy Pitta, was observed near the site of the Ilgok Park special project in Buk-gu, Gwangju, environmental groups have called for a halt to construction.

On June 19, the Gwangju Environmental Movement Union issued a press release stating, "Hansaebong, where the Fairy Pitta was confirmed, is within the Ilgok Park special project site, and construction is currently in full swing." The organization added, "However, neither the Environmental Impact Assessment nor the Post-Environmental Impact Assessment reflects the presence of the Fairy Pitta habitat."

The Environmental Impact Assessment stipulates that if a legally protected species is discovered, construction must be immediately halted and measures to prevent harm must be established. The Gwangju Environmental Movement Union emphasized, "Environmental authorities must promptly take action in accordance with procedures."

The Gwangju city government is currently working to confirm whether the Fairy Pitta is actually inhabiting the area. The city stated that the location where the bird was found is about 1 kilometer away from the construction site, so the direct impact is expected to be minimal, and an immediate suspension of construction is not being considered.

A city official explained, "Although there was a record of the species in literature surveys, it was not confirmed in field surveys, so we assessed the likelihood of actual habitation as low. However, since a legally protected species has been discovered, we will require the developer to submit a damage prevention plan and will take necessary measures."