Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries Designates Yeojaman, Shinan, and Muan in Jeonnam as National Marine Ecological Parks

Conceptual Diagram of the National Marine Ecological Park. Provided by Jeonnam Province

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Jeonnam Province has proven itself as the center of marine ecological conservation in South Korea by accounting for 88% of the total area designated as National Marine Ecological Parks by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. This recognition is the result of both the global value of Jeonnam’s marine ecosystems and the province’s achievements in conservation and management, which have been acknowledged at the national level.

According to Jeonnam Province on December 2, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries designated Yeojaman Boseong-Suncheon (107.94㎢) and Shinan-Muan Wetland Protected Area (1,984.86㎢) in Jeonnam, along with Garorim Bay in Chungnam (147.05㎢) and Homihalf Peninsula in Gyeongbuk (139.35㎢), as the first National Marine Ecological Parks.

This designation highly evaluated both the excellence of Jeonnam’s marine ecosystems and the region’s active participation in conservation and management. As a result, two out of the four designated locations nationwide are in Jeonnam.

The National Marine Ecological Park system is a state-designated initiative that goes beyond conventional regulation-focused protected areas. It aims to create a marine ecosystem where conservation and utilization coexist through the rational use of outstanding marine ecological resources.

The parks are operated under a three-stage spatial management system. The existing wetland protected area is designated as the first-stage core conservation zone. A 1-kilometer marine buffer zone from the core conservation area is set as the second stage, where marine environment surveys, research, waste collection, and habitat creation projects are intensively carried out. A 500-meter terrestrial area from the core conservation zone is designated as the third-stage sustainable use zone, where observation and educational facilities are established.

In particular, the Shinan-Muan Park in Jeonnam focuses on preserving the value of marine assets by protecting habitats and breeding grounds for species such as the Black-faced Spoonbill, Far Eastern Curlew, Chinese Egret, and Eurasian Oystercatcher. The Yeojaman Boseong-Suncheon Park emphasizes the protection of the habitat for the endangered Black Crane and the sustainable use and management of local species such as cockles and mudskippers.

Park Geunsik, Director of Maritime Affairs and Ports at Jeonnam Province, stated, "The marine ecosystems that Jeonnam has preserved serve as a living textbook, presenting humanity with the challenge of designing a future in harmony with nature. The designation of the National Marine Ecological Parks marks a significant advancement in the national conservation and management system, placing Jeonnam at its center."

Following the selection of the Yeojaman National Marine Ecological Park development project as a target for the government’s preliminary feasibility study in November, the additional designation of Shinan and Muan is expected to further accelerate Jeonnam’s National Marine Ecological Park projects.

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