Incheon Environmental Movement Union Calls for Countermeasures
As various types of waste have been left unattended for a long period on the beaches of Gulupdo Island in Incheon, known as a "backpacking mecca," an environmental group has called for countermeasures.
On June 25, the Incheon Environmental Movement Union stated, "During our monitoring activities conducted on June 21 and 22 on Gulupdo Island in Ongjin County, we found piles of trash scattered across the sandy beaches and coastal dunes."
The Incheon Environmental Movement Union claimed that discarded fishing gear, Styrofoam boxes, and plastic containers were left buried in the sand around the Mokgimi Beach and Elephant Rock areas of Gulupdo Island. The group also explained that on Gulup Beach, a building constructed with sandwich panels was encroaching on the dunes and windbreak forests, and that trash discarded by tourists was found along the Gaemeori Ridge.
The organization pointed out, "Gulupdo Island, known as a sanctuary for backpackers, has turned into a polluted area littered with plastic waste due to a lack of awareness and preparation," and added, "Waste is taking over the dunes and windbreak forests, causing the gradual disappearance of plant life."
They continued, "The marine debris problem has become even more severe compared to our monitoring a year ago," and noted, "There are concerns about overtourism due to Incheon City's policy of lowering passenger ferry fares." The group argued that the policy, which was introduced to revitalize local tourism, could lead to overtourism in the absence of adequate ecological protection infrastructure and management systems.
The organization urged, "Incheon City and Ongjin County must assess the extent of damage to the coastal dunes and windbreak forests and thoroughly collect the waste left on the beaches," and called for "measures to raise awareness among island tourists as well."
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