Government Of Seocheon County Signs New Agreement With U.K.-Based BirdLife International On The Conservation Of South Korea’s Coastal Wetland Geum Estuary

The government of Seocheon County and BirdLife International Partnership Programme signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) last year for a pilot venture on migratory bird protection within the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF).

EAAFlyway forecasted July 18, 2014 that BirdLife International was in-charge to offer funding for the project that aims to assist in protecting seven species of shorebirds that can be found at Rio Tinto in Spain.

South Korea's coastal wetland Geum Estuary was chosen as the project location after exploring a number of selections for the pilot project.

Reports have revealed that Geum Estuary was chosen because of its "importance for migratory birds, the positive political environment and the conservation opportunities at the site."

A year later, United Kingdom-based BirdLife International and the government of Seocheon County have signed another MoU on the protection of Geum Estuary.

Seocheon County governor Pakrae Noh and BirdLife chief executive Patricia Zurita met at the BirdLife office in Cambridge for the signing of MoU last November 9, as reported by BirdLife Tuesday.

The two parties reached an agreement to work together for the conservation of South Korea's coastal wetland Geum Estuary. In addition, "the county government has pursued enlightened policies based around nature-based sustainable development."

"We are delighted to sign this agreement with Seocheon County Government to work collaboratively for the conservation and sustainable development of the Geum Estuary," Zurita said.  "Protecting this site and properly managing the coastal wetlands in the Yellow Sea is vital to maintain the East Asian Australasian Flyway alive."

She went on, "Shorebirds like the Great Knot and Far Eastern Curlew depend on healthy tidal mudflats to recharge and continue their voyage."

On the other hand, governor Noh said they are grateful for the support of BirdLife International.

"We are grateful to have the support of a great partner as BirdLife, an organization that recognizes the importance and value of Yubu-do [tidal flat]," the governor said. "We look forward to further collaboration with BirdLife in protecting biodiversity and especially the migratory birds that need Geum Estuary."

"We will strive to strengthen eco-tourism in Seocheon County, with the further support of BirdLife's expertise," he added.