SEOUL, March 21 (Korea Bizwire) – The entire area of Shinan-gun has been designated as a World Biosphere Reserve.
The designation marks the second time in Korea that an entire administrative district is designated as a World Biosphere Reserve.
The Ministry of Environment, Korea National Parks Authority, and the UNESCO MAB (Man and the Biosphere Programme) office in Korea announced that the plan to expand the biosphere reserve region in Shinan was approved.
The MAB seeks to preserve ecosystems, and continue environmentally sound and sustained development. Hosted by UNESCO, governments of participating countries cooperate to achieve the goal.
After certain parts of Shinan-gun such as Heuksando Island, Hongdo Island and Bigeumdo Island were designated as a World Biosphere Reserve is 2009, regional produce such as salt and spinach gained popularity, bringing positive economic effects to the area. Afterwards, the local government officials applied to expand the reserve area.
Biosphere Reserves are selected by UNESCO. Areas around the world with outstanding natural ecosystems are designated to promote the preservation of the diversity of flora and fauna and ensure environmentally sound and sustained development.
Officials at the Ministry of Environment commented that the designation would be a great example of local government using a region’s natural resources as well as protecting them at the same time.
Image Credit: Yonhap / photonews@koreabizwire.com
