Ramsar COP
Promoting the Conservation of Wetlands in the Yellow/West Sea

Mrs. RiKyong Sim (DPR Korea), Dr. Inger Andersen (IUCN) and Dr. Prof . Lei Guangchun (VR China)

HSS

“More than 1,000 champions of wetlands are expected to participate in the 13th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP13) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates”, the Secretary General of Ramsar Convention on Wetlands said before the Ramsar COP13 started on 21 October 2018. Under the theme “Wetlands for a Sustainable Future” representatives of the 170 contracting parties and international organizations gather to assess progress in the implementation of the Convention and the wise use of wetlands. HSF Korea is taking part and is supporting the participation of a delegation from DPR Korea. For the last four years the country has been working with international organizations to promote wetland conservation on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia. In 2018 the country acceded the Ramsar Convention and the East Asian – Australasian Flyway Partnership.

One of the “hot topics” in Dubai related to the work of HSF Korea and its partners is the conservation of wetlands along the Yellow / West Sea. In 2017 a first meeting of representatives of the three adjacent countries – DPR Korea, PR China, RO Korea – as well as of international organizations has been organized in Yancheng, China. In 2018 “Working Group for the Conservation of the Yellow/West Sea Intertidal and Associated Coastal Wetlands” has been formally founded and the terms of references were agreed by all parties. During the Ramsar COP a side event took place under the same theme.

Impressions Around the Ramsar COP

HSS

The event was opened by the Secretary General of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, Inger Andersen. She emphasized the significance of the region as it is located in the center of the East Asian – Australasian Flyway, a major migration route of birds, as well as the area is home to 200 million people living along the coastal areas of the Yellow / West Sea. Presenting for the Democratic People´s Republic of Korea, Ri Kyong Sim introduced the development regarding environment conservation in her country for the last years. She also reminded the audience of the long way ahead to sustainably conserve wetlands in the Yellow / West Sea Region. Prof. Lei Guangchun explained the recent steps of the People´s Republic of China to conserve wetlands in the Yellow / West, among others by stopping all reclamation projects in the area. He also emphasized the outstanding universal value of sites such as the Yancheng Coastal Wetlands. Lastly, the Republic of Korea presented on the current status and clause of wetlands in the country, national survey programs as well as the plan for the restoration of Tidal Flats Ecosystems.

Especially with the Working Group that brings together government representatives, with international and local stakeholders as well es environment organizations it is envisaged to increase the coordination for the conservation of wetlands in and along the Yellow / West Sea. HSF Korea is continuing to support these efforts. Also, until 29 October the foundation will be at the Ramsar COP and supports other side-events. Each event will be published on our Website and Facebook page.