Heo Min, the head of the Cultural Heritage Administration, described the expanded listing of Korea's tidal flats as a "glorious achievement" on July 25.
During the 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting held at BEXCO in Busan, Heo stated, "I hope this will advance international solidarity and cooperation to preserve the outstanding universal value of the tidal flats."
On the same day, participating countries announced the "Busan Declaration on Cooperation for the Conservation of the Yellow Sea Tidal Flats and Coastal Wetlands." This declaration is a voluntary commitment among participating organizations and relevant countries to support the conservation of the Yellow Sea's tidal flats and coastal wetlands, which serve as habitats for migratory birds. It includes enhancing communication and cooperation among representatives of coastal countries, promoting joint scientific research, monitoring, and data sharing to improve understanding of the ecological connectivity of the Yellow Sea habitats.
Heo expressed hope that the "Joint Statement on Cooperation for the Conservation of the Yellow Sea Tidal Flats and Coastal Wetlands" would further develop international solidarity and cooperation to preserve the outstanding universal value of the tidal flats. He added, "We will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, local governments, the Korean tidal flats listing promotion team, and the international community."
Heo emphasized that tidal flats are not merely natural heritage confined to a single country, but are a crucial ecological axis of the East Asia-Australasia Flyway, connecting migratory birds across borders. He noted, "In particular, the tidal flats and coastal wetlands of the Yellow Sea are vital resting and feeding grounds for numerous migratory birds. Protecting these tidal flats is not just the responsibility of one country; it is a shared task that the international community must undertake together."
Since the listing of "Korea's Tidal Flats" as a World Heritage site in 2021, South Korea has diligently implemented the recommendations of the World Heritage Committee and has continuously worked to enhance the outstanding universal value of the tidal flats.
Heo highlighted that today's expanded listing is the result of collaboration among the central government, local governments, communities, the World Heritage Center, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the East Asia-Australasia Flyway Partnership (EAAFP), the World Coastal Forum (WCF), and all international organizations and partners involved, achieved through trust and cooperation.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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