Korea's Tidal Flats Expansion as World Heritage Site Draws Renewed Attention to the Ecological Value of Jeollanam-do and Gwangju
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As the 'Korean Tidal Flats' designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site expand, the ecological value of the Jeollanam-do and Gwangju regions is drawing renewed attention. Tidal flats are the wide, flat stretches of land that emerge when the seawater recedes, and they are an important habitat where many living things thrive.
The Korean Tidal Flats were first inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2021. Since then, as the scope of the inscription has widened, more tidal flats have been included under protection. The Jeolla Nam-do region has extensive tidal flats along the west and south coasts, and it is playing an important role in this expansion.
Tidal flats perform several important functions. First, they purify seawater and filter out pollutants floating in the water. They are also home to many marine creatures such as fish, shellfish, and crabs, and serve as a place where migratory birds find food and rest during their long journeys. Experts explain that tidal flats also have the capacity to store carbon, helping to respond to climate change.
With the expansion of this World Heritage Site as a turning point, interest in protecting the tidal flats is also growing. Local residents and relevant institutions stress that they must work together to raise awareness of the value of the tidal flats and continue efforts to prevent indiscriminate development and pollution. Because tidal flats take a long time to recover once damaged, many argue that continuous management is essential.
Sources: 더코리아
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