Understanding of ecosystem services – HSF takes part at workshop at the Ramsar Regional Centre for East Asia

One of the most diverse and beautiful coastal ecosystems in South Korea

The first day of the workshop focused on introducing the multiple values of wetlands and ecosystem services and how to use the `Rapid Assessment of Wetland Ecosystem Services Tool´. The tool is designed to recognize wetland values in an effective way. The newly developed tool groups these values into four categories - namely provisioning services (such as provision of water or food), regulating services (such as flood hazard regulation or air quality regulation), cultural services (such as recreation and tourism or educational and research) and supporting services (such as water recycling or provision of habitats).

On the second day, a field visit to Suncheon Bay was organized to conduct a field assessment exercise. Suncheon Bay is a “Wetland Protected Area” under the Ramsar Convention. Its wide estuarine tidal flat and intertidal marshes are creating one of the most diverse and beautiful coastal ecosystems in South Korea. Two rivers flow through the city of Suncheon and the surrounding rice fields at the northern part of the bay, and numerous streams flow through the site, sustaining clean water quality and a habitat for migratory birds. During the time of the site visit, several vulnerable species (such as Hooded Cranes, Grus monacha) and threatened species (such as Black-faced Spoonbills, Platalea minor) could be seen at the site.

During the workshop the project manager for DPR Korea of HSF Korea, Felix Glenk, had the chance to have discussions with representatives of the Ramsar Secretariat, the Ramsar Regional Centre for East Asia, the South Korean Ministry for Environment and national focal points within the Ramsar Convention from countries such as Austria, Senegal and Kenia.

The Hanns Seidel Foundation Korea is a member of the East-Asian Australasian Flyway Partnership and is involved in different environmental projects on the Korean Peninsula. Especially in North Korea the HSF tries to promote cooperation and exchange in the field of environment. A project with the Ramsar Secretariat focuses on wetlands, including tidal flats, and its conservation and wise use.