The Environment Ministry will push for the inclusion of 23 wetlands in Korea on a list of internationally significant wetlands under the Ramsar Convention. They include Bamseom on the Han River, a rare sanctuary for migratory birds in the city center. Despite being just 27.3 ha or 0.3 percent of the Mt. Bukhan National Park, it is home to some 580 species of animals and plants including seven near-extinct species and three state-designated natural monuments.
Officially called the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially as Waterfowl Habitat, the Ramsar Convention lists 1,896 wetlands in 160 counties. Korea has 14 on the list, including Upo Marsh in South Gyeongsang Province and Suncheon Bay in South Jeolla Province.
"When a wetland is listed under the Ramsar Convention, the state concerned is required to take measures to preserve it on a virtually permanent basis with regular monitoring of the ecosystem and report to Ramsar headquarters," a ministry official said. "We plan to nurture these wetlands as destination for international eco-tourism."
