The Ministry of Environment (Minister Han Wha-jin) and the Korea National Park Service (Director Song Hyeong-geun) will hold a public forum for the sustainable development of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve* in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) at the International Crane Center in Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon-do, for two days starting from July 20.

*Designated by UNESCO to achieve a sustainable society where biodiversity conservation and wise use coexist harmoniously. Korea has nine designated locations, including Gangwon Eco-peace Biosphere Reserve, Yeoncheon Imjin River Biosphere Reserve, and others.

The forum will be attended by approximately 110 participants, including the Ministry of Environment, the Korea National Park Service, local governments in the DMZ UNESCO Biosphere Reserve area (Gyeonggi-do, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, Yeoncheon-gun, Cheorwon-gun, Hwacheon-gun, Yanggu-gun, Inje-gun, Goseong-gun), experts, and local residents.

Under the theme of "The Role and Challenges of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in the DMZ for Conservation and Sustainable Development," the forum will begin with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the DMZ Biosphere Reserve's cooperative tasks by participating organizations such as the Ministry of Environment. The MOU will include collaborative projects for exploration and implementation, as well as capacity-building education for local residents.

Following the signing of the memorandum, the forum will feature presentations and discussions on sustainable development practices in the border areas of Biosphere Reserve, as well as exploring conservation and community development directions. On the second day, there will be a field trip to the Yeoncheon Imjin River UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Kim Jong-nyul, Director-General of the Nature Conservation Bureau of the Ministry of Environment, stated, "This forum will serve as an opportunity to systematically preserve the excellent ecosystem of the DMZ Biosphere Reserve and promote the sustainable development of local communities." He expressed hope that it would become a role model for conservation in Biosphere Reserves and the development of local communities.

Contact: Cho Young-hun, Deputy Director

Nature and Ecology Policy Division / +82-(0)44-201-7238