Goheung Tidal Flats Recognized as UNESCO World Natural Heritage, an "Ecological Treasure"

Enhancing Global Recognition and Regional Image, Preserving Unique Local Culture
"Establishing Systematic Management for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of the Tidal Flats"

On July 28, Goheung County, Jeonnam Gwangju Special Metropolitan City, announced that at the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held at BEXCO in Busan on July 25, the final approval was given for Phase 2 expansion of the inscription of "Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats," officially listing the Goheung Tidal Flats as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.

This expanded inscription adds the tidal flats of Goheung, Yeosu, Muan, and Seosan to the existing World Heritage sites designated in 2021: Boseong-Suncheon Tidal Flats, Shinan Tidal Flats, Gochang Tidal Flats, and Seocheon Tidal Flats. In June, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the nature heritage advisory body to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, recommended this inscription.

Mudflats of Baegildo, Gwaryeok-myeon, Goheung. Provided by Goheung County

As a result, "Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats" has been expanded as a serial property comprising a total of six elements: Goheung-Boseong-Suncheon-Yeosu Tidal Flats, Shinan-Muan Tando Bay Tidal Flats, Muan Hamhae Bay Tidal Flats, Gochang Tidal Flats, Seocheon Tidal Flats, and Seosan Tidal Flats.

The Goheung Tidal Flats, covering an area of 5,943 hectares, are recognized for their remarkable biodiversity. It serves as a habitat for 11 internationally endangered species and 22 species of shorebirds, with the Black-headed Gull accounting for over 1% of the global population in this area.

A total of 58 species of waterbirds have been recorded, along with 38 species of benthic diatoms, 54 species of seaweeds, 54 species of halophytes, 552 species of large benthic animals, 26 species of fish, and one species of marine mammal. It is also designated as a habitat for six legally protected species and is an important living area for protected species such as the Red-footed Mud Crab and the Fiddler Crab.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) evaluated in this review that Phase 2 of "Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats" meets World Heritage inscription criterion (10), which is assigned to sites of the highest significance for biodiversity and for the conservation of endangered species. The IUCN also acknowledged that the tidal flats of Jeonnam, including Goheung, are a vital stopover along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway (EAAF).

Goheung County expects the World Heritage inscription to contribute to strengthening external recognition and enhancing the region's image through the World Heritage brand, to improve the prospects for securing projects related to World Heritage conservation, utilization, and various public bids, and to preserve the region's unique living culture through international recognition of its traditional fishing practices and tidal flat resource harvesting culture.

Ko Youngmin, Governor of Goheung County, stated, "The inscription of the Goheung Tidal Flats as a World Heritage site is the result of international recognition for the mudflats and their ecological value, which local fishermen have protected over many generations." He added, "We will continue to work with relevant agencies and the local community to develop a systematic management plan that harmonizes conservation and sustainable use of the tidal flats."

Meanwhile, Goheung County plans to closely cooperate with the National Heritage Administration, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Jeonnam Gwangju Special Metropolitan City, and the Korean Tidal Flats World Heritage Inscription Task Force to implement follow-up measures, including establishing an integrated management system and ensuring the sustainable continuation of traditional fishing and tidal flat resource harvesting practices, as recommended by the World Heritage Committee.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.