Global Recognition Looms for ‘Getbol’ Ecosystem
The ‘Korean Tidal Flats,’ a natural heritage of significant ecological importance, are anticipated to be expanded as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage announced on the 5th that the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), an advisory body to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for natural heritage, has recommended the expansion of the World Heritage inscription for the ‘Korean Tidal Flats’ to include a second phase. This proposed expansion involves adding the tidal flats of Seosan in Chungnam Province, and those in Goheung, Yeosu, and Muan in Jeonnam Province to the existing inscription, thereby broadening the scope of its constituent elements and universal value.
Expanding a Natural Treasure
The initial inscription of ‘Korean Tidal Flats’ as a World Heritage site in 2021 encompassed four locations: Seocheon in Chungnam, Gochang in Jeonbuk, and Sinan and Boseong/Suncheon in Jeonnam. With the anticipated expansion, the ‘Korean Tidal Flats’ World Heritage site would comprise a total of six distinct areas. These include the Boseong-Suncheon-Yeosu-Goheung Tidal Flats, the Sinan-Muan intertidal flats, the Muan bay tidal flats, the Gochang Tidal Flats, the Seocheon Tidal Flats, and the Seosan Tidal Flats.
The final decision on this expansion is expected to be made at the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled to be held in Busan next month. If approved, this expansion will significantly enhance the global recognition and protection of these vital coastal ecosystems.
