Pohang City Begins Full-Scale Push for UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Designation of Homibando Peninsula

Preliminary Application Passed at the End of May,
Main Application to Be Submitted in September
UNESCO International Designation...
Promoting Sustainable Development Linking Ecology, Culture, and Industry

Pohang City has officially begun the process to have the Homibando Peninsula designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Pohang City held the final report meeting for the "Feasibility Study and Basic Plan Establishment Service for the Designation of Homibando UNESCO Biosphere Reserve" at the city hall on the 7th. Photo by Pohang City

On the 7th, the city held the final report meeting for the "Feasibility Study and Basic Plan Establishment Service for the Designation of Homibando UNESCO Biosphere Reserve" in the city hall's main conference room, focusing on discussing the current progress and future strategies.

The meeting was attended by directors and heads of relevant departments, heads of towns and townships in the proposed designation area, and representatives from the service agency. Participants shared the current preparation status and tasks according to UNESCO designation criteria and worked together to develop response measures.

With this meeting as a turning point, Pohang City plans not only to protect the Homibando Peninsula's outstanding natural environment and its marine and terrestrial ecosystems, but also to promote sustainable development by linking the region's culture and industry with ecological values.

The city conducted on-site basic surveys, established zoning plans, built a stakeholder cooperation system, and set management and utilization directions. Based on these efforts, Pohang City submitted a preliminary application to the Korean National Commission for UNESCO at the end of February, and the preliminary application officially passed at the end of May, allowing the process to move on to the main application stage.

Pohang City plans to submit the main application for UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designation by the end of September. As this is the final review stage that will determine whether the designation is granted, the city intends to thoroughly prepare by systematically organizing relevant materials and strengthening consultations with local residents and other stakeholders.

Vice Mayor Jang Sangkil stated, "If designated as a biosphere reserve, the Homibando Peninsula can become a central hub in the East Coast ecological network and serve as a new driving force for revitalizing the local economy," adding, "We will focus all our capabilities on achieving the final UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designation."