(special report by CHRIS ANTONETTE PIEDAD-PUGAY, who currently works as an assistant researcher at Hanns-Seidel-Foundation Korea)

In view of the celebration of the World Wetlands Day, the Korea Marine Environment Management Corporation (KOEM), an agency dedicated to managing and improving marine environment in South Korea, and the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization (GTO) organized a DMZ wetland tour on February 5, 2010. Foreign participants who were mostly connected with environmental protection and tourism organizations, academic and research institutions visited the Odu Mountain Unification Observatory, the Jangdan Peninsula and Chopyeongdo and had the chance to see up-close various migratory birds and water deers living in the said protected area. At the Odusan Unification Observatory, participants witnessed the breath-taking view of the wetlands around the Imjin and Han River estuary. The Western Civilian Control Zone covers the area of Gunnae-myeon, Jangdan-myeon, Jindong-myeon, and Jinseo-myeon in Paju City. The zone known for its well preserved and undisturbed ecosystem boasts its wetlands, paddy fields, ponds and streams serves as habitat for various plants and internationally recognized endangered species.

Jangdan area and Chopyeongdo are known as the winter habitat of birds like red-crowned cranes, white-naped cranes, bean goose, white fronted-geese, white-tailed sea eagles and cinereous vultures. The cranes known for migrating in family units have been a part of Korean culture and they are believed to be symbols of longevity. In addition, within the zone, a mountain was named Shinhaksan which literally means “lots of cranes. For purposes of studies and wildlife protection, the endangered birds are marked and tagged. For instance a vulture is tagged on its tail; cranes are tagged on their legs, while geese are tagged on their necks. Also inhabiting in the area are Chinese water deers in great numbers, small eared cats and Siberian weasels that freely and confidently roam around the areas protected by barbed wires. Soldiers confirmed that even they were not able to enter the said areas, thus, the animals are confident enough to freely move about without being disturbed.

The program was organized by both KOEM and GTO with the aspiration that such kind of educational program will be instrumental in promoting awareness on wildlife protection and cooperation among Koreans and foreign residents in the country amidst the environmental changes and degradation faced by humanity nowadays. Also, such kind of environmental advocacy may also serve as inspiration to other interest groups to spearhead sustainable development projects.

Hanns-Seidel-Foundation has worked with Goseong County since 2005 and cooperated with Gangwon province as well as Gangwon Development Research Institute since 2006 with the aim of sustainable development in border area. Among the programmes are those directed towards eco-tourism and the promotion of large-scale protected zones in the border area. Hanns-Seidel-Foundation is also a member of DMZ-coalition which various actors cooperate with the aim of conservation of the border area.