"Need for a Win-Win Strategy Between Chungnam and North Jeolla Sharing the Geumgang Water System"
Assemblyman Oh Sinhwan urges the adoption of a national agenda, emphasizing the need to establish a regional win-win strategy through ecological restoration of the Geumgang estuary and seawater circulation. / Provided by Chungnam Provincial Council
Oh Inhwan, a member of the Chungnam Provincial Council (Nonsan 2, Democratic Party of Korea), strongly called for the adoption of a national agenda to establish a regional win-win strategy through ecological restoration of the Geumgang estuary and seawater circulation.
On June 24, during the 4th plenary session of the provincial council, Oh stated, "Ecological restoration of the Geumgang estuary goes beyond a simple environmental protection issue. It can serve as a key to addressing various challenges, including responding to the climate crisis, revitalizing the fishing village economy, fostering ecological tourism, and promoting balanced regional development." He further emphasized, "In particular, the Geumgang estuary is home to thousands of aquatic species and migratory birds, serving as a core axis of the West Sea coastal ecosystem."
He continued, "Since the construction of the Geumgang estuary bank, the brackish water zone where freshwater and seawater meet has disappeared, leading to a sharp decline in various species. This threatens not only the livelihoods of fishermen but also the very existence of local communities. In addition, the accumulation of pollutants upstream of the estuary bank and the reduction in water flow are accelerating the deterioration of water quality."
He also pointed out, "The provincial council has continued its legislative activities through special committee operations, urging proposals, and the enactment of ordinances. Civil organizations and local governments have also conducted various studies and pilot projects. However, there has been no fundamental change due to insufficient budgets, policy limitations, and a lack of intergovernmental cooperation."
Focusing on the connection between the Geumgang and Saemangeum, Oh stated, "According to the 2021 'Saemangeum Master Plan,' water from the Seopo pumping station (in Gunsan City), which is part of the Geumgang water system, is being supplied to ensure stable agricultural and industrial water for the region. This highlights the need for both Chungnam Province and North Jeolla Province, which share the Geumgang water system, to develop a win-win plan and recognize the importance of preserving the ecological value of the Geumgang."
He added, "In April, Chungnam Province proposed the ecological restoration of the Geumgang estuary and seawater circulation as a national agenda through the National Conference for Estuary Ecological Restoration, aiming for stable water supply and water quality improvement. Now, it is time to establish a clear policy direction and a win-win strategy."
Oh requested that Chungnam Province: ▲ establish a pan-governmental cooperation system by adopting the Geumgang estuary ecological restoration project as a national agenda; ▲ develop strategies to link eco-friendly fisheries, ecological tourism, and regionally specialized projects based on the restored ecological environment; and ▲ prepare supplementary measures and support plans for residents in the Geumgang area.
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