Penguin Village, Korea’s First Antarctic Specially Protected Area

(’09.4.20, Global Environment Division)

Introduction

Republic of Korea, with Ministry of Environment on the forefront, finally succeeded in designating Narebski Point, named after a famous Polish geochemist and also known as “Penguin Village” to many Korean researchers, as an Antarctic Specially Protected Area (ASPA).

What is an ASPA?

The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, which entered into force in 1998, stipulates in Article 3 of its Annex V that “ Any area, including any marine area, may be designated as an Antarctic Specially Protected Area to protect outstanding environmental, scientific, historic, aesthetic or wilderness values, any combination of those values, or ongoing or planned scientific research.” The Parties to the Antarctic Treaty, therefore, can be a proponent of ASPA designation in order to protect an area that it deems valuable to do so. For us, that place was Penguin Village.

Primary reason for designation

The primary reason for designation of Penguin Village as an ASPA is to protect its ecological, scientific, and aesthetic values from human interference. The most outstanding feature of the area is its rich biodiversity with, in particular, over 2,900 pairs of Chinstrap Penguins -- the largest number in King George Island -- and over 1,700 pairs of Gentoo Penguins inhibiting in the Area. The presence of 14 bird species and 88 flora in Penguin Village, together with its unique topography, gives the area a marked aesthetic beauty and a great opportunity for scientific research.

How we came thus far

Since winter of 2005, Ministry of Environment has conducted biological field studies in the area with the support of the Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI) and prepared a management plan for Penguin Village based on the findings on the values to be protected in the area. At the 31st Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) held June last year, the Management Plan was referred to the Subsidiary Group on Management Plans (SGMP) for further review. After series of comments received from Antarctic experts, Korea was able to come up with the final version of the Management Plan for adoption at the 32nd ATCM held 6-17 April 2009 at Baltimore, USA, at the historic fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the Antarctic Treaty.

Challenges

However, this final approval did not come easy. One of the Parties was of the view that the primary reason for designation was insufficient and that the Management Plan needed further consideration. Concerned of the possible setback against this year’s adoption, more than 20 communications were exchanged to persuade the Party and diplomatic engagement was pursued as well with the support of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Furthermore, at Baltimore before the agenda was on the table, prior consultations were actively sought with the representatives from the Parties present at the Meeting. At last, all our efforts paid off -- consensus was reached to adopt the Management Plan to designate Narebski Point as the 71st Antarctic Treaty Specially Protected Area, Republic of Korea becoming the 15th proponent to designate an ASPA.

Restrictions

Entry into Penguin Village is now prohibited except in accordance with the permit issued by respective national authorities, under the condition that it be issued only for scientific purposes that cannot be met elsewhere. Moreover, various restrictions are imposed on the activities conducted in the area in order to protect its values. For example, no equipment can be installed within the area unless authorized by the permit, no living animals or plants can be deliberately introduced into the area, any taking or harmful interference is prohibited except in accordance with the permit, and all wastes shall be removed from the area.

Management Activities

In fact, designation of Penguin Village as an ASPA implies that all Parties now have the responsibility to protect and manage the area in accordance with the Management Plan submitted by Republic of Korea. Due to proximity and feasibility reasons, however, Korea will be effectively in charge of the management of the area which includes, inter alia, providing instruction to all persons accessing the area, placing signs at appropriate places with clear statements of entry restrictions, and monitoring of the biological conditions of the area.

The Poles: Korea’s New Frontier

Although Korea was a late-starter in the Antarctic Treaty System, Korea has brought itself up to the main stage of the international polar arena. King Sejong Station started its operation in the Antarctic in 1988 and Dasan Station in the Arctic in 2002, and since then laid the foundation for polar science. As for the polar infrastructure, the first Korean ice-breaker research vessel is soon to be launched and the quest for the 2nd Antarctic station continues. Not only that, Korea can now proudly declare its keen interest and contribution for the protection of the Antarctic environment, thanks to the success of designating Penguin Village as an ASPA. Behold, Korea is reaching out to the poles and will never end -- it has only just begun!