| Forum on Gotjawal Ramsar Site held in Jeju, Korea On February 2, 2010, A Forum on Designating Gotjawal Forest (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gotjawal_forest) as a Ramsar Site was held in Jeju, South Korea by the Jeju Provincial Government and Gotjawal Trust. Professor Yang Unjin of Kyungnam Universiy suggested that designating Gotjawal Forest is important for (1) protecting the ecology and water resources, (2) systematic management and (3) ecological tourism. Ms. Hong Su-yeon, who worked for UNDP/GEF Korea Wetland Project, gave an opinion that designation of a Ramsar site will benefit not only the nature, but also the residents and humans. She mentioned examples of Maipo Wetland, Kushiro Wetland, Sunchen Bay, and Woopo Wetland. Mr. Kim Yang-bo, head officer of Department of Nature Policy in Jeju Provincial Government, said he will do his best to designate Gotjawal Forest as a Ramsar Site. I am really happy to see that the Jeju Provincial Government is now willing to do it, at last. I would like to share my happiness with all of you who are interested in this vulnerable forest. Although the provincial governor did not respond to the opinion letter of the Ramsar Convention Secretary General, Mr. Anada Tiega, the letter must have influenced the provincial government, I believe. So, I appreciate the Secretary General. Even some nation-wide newspapers reported the forum (in Korean). http://www.hani.co.kr/arti/society/area/402618.html http://www.jemin.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=234549 http://www.newsje.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=2659 February 3, 2010 Yong-chang Jang yongchangjang@hotmail.com A member of Jeju Wildlife Research Center, Inc. |
