Lee Donghwan, Mayor of Goyang, Presents Ecological Innovation at Ramsar COP
Discusses Global Wetland Cooperation with UK RSPB and Valdivia, Chile
Technology, Participation, and Circularity: Spotlight on the 'Drone-Based Ecological Conservation City'
Goyang Special City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Lee Donghwan) has presented a new model for urban wetland conservation to the world.
Lee Donghwan, mayor of Goyang Special City, is presenting the exemplary case of Janghang Wetland at the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention (COP15) on the 25th (local time). Provided by Goyang Special City
On July 25 (local time), Mayor Lee Donghwan of Goyang gave a direct presentation on the innovative conservation case of Janghang Wetland at a special session hosted by the ICLEI Cities Biodiversity Center (ICLEI CBC) during the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
Mayor Lee stated, "Janghang Wetland is a representative urban wetland in Korea, serving as a repository of biodiversity where more than 30,000 migratory birds visit every winter. The true protagonists behind the preservation of this wetland are the citizens themselves. Together with citizens, we have operated a drone-based feeding volunteer group, recycled donated grains, and created rice paddies, thereby achieving small but powerful innovations in sustainable ecological conservation even under development pressure."
Goyang City introduced the world's first case of using drones, originally intended for industrial and agricultural purposes, for ecological conservation. This minimized contact with migratory birds and helped prevent avian influenza outbreaks, showcasing the coexistence of technology and the environment.
Lee Donghwan, mayor of Goyang Special City, is making a presentation on the activity of "feeding migratory birds using drones" on the 25th. Provided by Goyang Special City
In particular, the case of utilizing grains, which were originally scheduled for disposal, as bird feed after receiving them as donations from customs authorities, drew attention as a circular model that converted waste into ecological resources.
In fact, there have been no cases of avian influenza (AI) in Janghang Wetland up to this year. Furthermore, in March, a group of 21 rare black cranes arrived and stayed for more than two weeks, further demonstrating the effectiveness of the conservation efforts.
This presentation of outstanding wetland conservation cases included participation from four cities worldwide, including Nagoya (Japan), Overstrand (South Africa), and Kochi (India), with Goyang being the only participating city from Korea.
Approximately 150 international delegates, including Musonda Mumba, Secretary General of the Ramsar Convention, and Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, Deputy Executive Secretary of the UNEP World Water Council, attended the event and expressed their agreement on the importance of wetland conservation and the need to link it with sustainable urban development.
Lee Donghwan, mayor of Goyang Special City, is meeting with Nicola Crockford, chief policy officer of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), at Ramsar COP15 to discuss mutual cooperation for biodiversity conservation. Provided by Goyang Special City
On the same morning, Mayor Lee Donghwan held a meeting with Nicola Crockford, Chief Policy Officer of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), to discuss international intercity cooperation for the protection of the critically endangered spoon-billed sandpiper, of which fewer than 100 individuals remain worldwide.
Mayor Lee emphasized, "Global solidarity, such as the crane network established with Qiqihar in China and Suncheon in Korea, is urgently needed for the protection of migratory birds across borders."
In a subsequent meeting with Carla Andrea Amtmann Fecci, Mayor of Valdivia, Chile, Mayor Lee stated, "Goyang is realizing a sustainable conservation model that brings together private cooperation and corporate participation as a sustainable city where urban life and nature coexist. Since wetlands are assets for all humanity, the international community must unite to protect them together."
Lee Donghwan, mayor of Goyang Special City, is having a meeting with Carla Andrea Amtmann Fecci, mayor of Valdivia City, Chile, on the 25th. Provided by Goyang Special City
Mayor Amtmann Fecci also expressed strong agreement with Goyang's experience and officially invited Goyang City to the 'Wetland Cities Mayors Meeting' to be held in Valdivia in 2027.
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