By Yi Whan-woo
SEOGWIPO, Jeju Island_ Environment Minister Yoo Young-sook said Thursday that the government will ensure a naval base construction project will have a minimal effect on the ecology of Jeju Island.
The minister’s remark came on the opening day of the 2012 World Conservation Congress as protesters called for the scrapping of the project in Gangjeong Village on the resort island.
“I think it’s a very difficult question for me to answer,” she said during a press conference at the International Convention Center, the congress venue located close to the construction site of the Jeju Navy Base.
“However, I can tell you that the ministry has conducted a thorough environmental assessment.
“The project is very important for the security of Korea and the Supreme Court ruled the construction can proceed under law. And we’ll make sure to minimize any negative impact on the environment.”
The protest drew 70 local residents and environmental activists in front of the conference venue while the press conference was in process.
They also opposed the government denying the entry of 16 environmental or anti-war activists from the United States, Japan, and other countries.
One of them was Cha Im-ok, a Korean-American professor who registered for the Jeju congress and was scheduled to attend several meetings.