The city’s innovative use of oyster shell-based paving stones for children’s school routes played a pivotal role in securing this recognition. (Image courtesy of Tongyeong-si)
TONGYEONG, Dec. 5 (Korea Bizwire) – The city of Tongyeong in South Gyeongsang Province has been honored with the Presidential Prize at the 13th Child Safety Awards organized by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.
The city’s innovative use of oyster shell-based paving stones for children’s school routes played a pivotal role in securing this recognition.
The paving stones, crafted from oyster shells, boast superior rainwater drainage capabilities compared to conventional pavers.
Leveraging the porous structure of oyster shells, they effectively prevent slipping by swiftly draining rainwater, improving safety for children.
The eco-friendly aspect of utilizing abundant oyster shells, which would otherwise pose disposal challenges, contributed to Tongyeong’s commendation.
Furthermore, the city earned praise for pioneering a child injury insurance program, covering medical expenses for children involved in pedestrian accidents outside of school zones—an initiative that sets it apart as the first local government in Korea to implement such a program.
In Tongyeong, Gyeongnam, a city known for its pristine oyster production, oysters play a crucial role in the local economy. However, dealing with oyster shells, essential for extracting and separating oyster kernels, poses a significant challenge. The more efficiently the machines work to separate the oyster kernels and shells, the more oyster shells accumulate in the nearby yard. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
In another notable achievement, Gangdong-gu, Seoul, clinched the Prime Minister’s Award for its innovative transformation of a seniors’ center into a dual-purpose space called “Dream Miso.” Operating as a seniors’ center during the day and a child care space in the evening, Dream Miso ensures a safe environment for children between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m., addressing potential care gaps.
Gangdong-gu’s commitment to child welfare is further evidenced by the establishment of the Gangdong Children’s Restaurant in a vulnerable neighborhood and the expansion of facilities in child protection areas.
Meanwhile, the government is proactively addressing environmental concerns related to marine by-products, particularly oyster shells. On November 30, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries proposed a bill to amend relevant laws, aiming to boost the recycling industry for fishery by-products.
The Fishery By-Products Act categorizes fishery by-products, including the shells of six shellfish types. The proposed amendment expands the scope of seafood by-product recycling, acknowledging advancements in technology that facilitate the conversion of shells into fill material and backfill material.
This legislative initiative aims to provide institutional support for expanding the market for recycling marine by-products.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
