UNESCO Holding Climate Forum in Jeju
By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter
UNESCO will hold the 21st International Coordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere Program (MAB-ICC) through Friday in Jeju Island in order to discuss the implementation of the organization's strategy on climate change.
Under the theme of ``Biosphere Reserves, Learning Place for Sustainable Development,'' about 150 participants including representatives from 34 member countries, as well as observers and experts, will discuss the creation of a global network of island and coastal biosphere reserves as places of learning for sustainable development and climate change.
Today, the meeting will decide whether the Shinan Dadohae, an archipelago off the southwestern part of Korea, and North Korea's Mt. Myohang will be added to a new list of biosphere reserves.
The reserves are representative ecosystems listed in order to harmonize biodiversity conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources. Currently, 531 sites in 105 countries are designated as such.
Currently, Mt. Sorak, Jeju Island, Mt. Baekdu and Mt. Guwol on the Korean Peninsula are included.
The program participants will also be looking to designate new reserves, such as the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).
UNESCO expects that the session will help enhance the visibility of MAB activities and achievements here. The event is sponsored by the Ministry of Environment and the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, as well as the Korean National Commission for UNESCO.