Dot island, one of several uninhabited islands in the southeastern city of Changwon. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, July 23 (Korea Bizwire) – The government has formulated a plan to encourage the use of uninhabited islands by installing a variety of convenience facilities such as toilets and convenience stores there as well as loosening regulations that have restricted their development.
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced on Wednesday that it had confirmed the second comprehensive management plan for uninhabited islands through deliberations of the Central Coastal Management Council.
Under this plan, the ministry will push for the revision of related laws towards easing regulations on uninhabited islands with a potential for development within a legitimate scope, while reducing the range of behaviors that are restricted within the islands.
In addition, the ministry will loosen regulations on projects with public purposes such as the installation of lighthouses and management facilities by central or provincial governments, while making it easier for existing facilities on these islands to be repaired or renovated.
To expand access to and the convenience of visiting such islands, the ministry will support the development of technology to enable the installation of temporary convenience facilities such as toilets, rest areas, management offices, and mooring facilities for boats and ships.
The ministry will also create a new website to provide a comprehensive range of information on the development and tourism of uninhabited islands.
It will also set up a Center for Exploration of Uninhabited Islands at major passenger terminals nationwide.
For uninhabited islands with an excellent ecological environment, the ministry plans to install intelligent CCTV cameras using information and communication technology such as satellite images and unmanned aircrafts in order to monitor entry and any damage to the islands.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
