Korea Gearing Up for Ramsar Convention

Environment Minister Lee Maan-ee says he will carry through polices that will both protect the environment and boost the economy.

/ Korea Times Photo by Shim Hyun-chul

By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter

In less than 100 days, the world will have its eyes on Changwon, a rather small city in South Gyeongsang Province, which is hosting a so-called Olympics on the environment.

The Ramsar Convention on wetlands will take place from Oct. 28 to Nov.4 hosted by the Korean government. The environment minister will be the chairman, leading more than 158 member countries in sharing ideas on preserving and making wise use of 1,757 declared wetlands across the world.

Minister of the Environment Lee Maan-ee expressed excitement toward the event.

``It has only been about 10 years since Korea joined the Convention and I feel flattered that the country has been chosen as the host. I think it shows that we've been doing a pretty good job looking after our wetlands,'' he said Wednesday.

``However, it also adds pressure because it means we have to take more responsibility in protecting the wetlands,'' he said.

It is the second time for the large environmental event to be held in Asia, following Japan 15 years ago.

The creme de la creme will be at the Conference of the Contracting Parties, commonly known as Ramsar COP10, where representatives from government, major environmental organizations, leaders of non-governmental organizations and prominent figures on wetlands and national resources gather to discuss, make decisions and take action for further implementation of the convention.

This time, the government is eager to make it the best conference yet. ``It will be green, comfortable and enjoyable. We've put emphasis on making a green conference because of our intention to make the whole environment sustainable. We have encouraged our suppliers and contractors involved to adopt the highest environmental standards possible,'' Lee explained.

A comprehensive recycling system will be implemented at the conference venue ― the Changwon Exhibition and Convention Center ― as well as offsetting carbon emission by establishing a Fund for a Carbon Neutral COP10.

The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty for the conservation and wise use of wetlands; to stem the progressive inroad and loss of wetlands for now and the future.

The intergovernmental treaty, whose original name was The Convention of Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitats, was first signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971 to protect wetlands for water birds. But now it has grown to recognize the fundamental ecological function of wetlands and their economic, cultural, scientific and recreational value.

But still, what are wetlands? Are they that important to have such a large convention and international treaty signed? Lee sternly says ``yes.''

Wetlands are the cradle of biodiversity, providing water and primary productivity on which countless species of animals and plants depend for survival. They protect humans from many natural disasters such as possible flooding. Coastal wetlands prevent damage caused by hurricanes, cyclones and storm surges.

``Wetlands help recharge underground aquifers that store 97 percent of the world's unfrozen freshwater. Plants and soils in wetlands pay a significant role in purifying water,'' he said.

Lee said wetlands perform many other important functions that are requisites for a healthy life and survival of human communities. He praised the wetlands for being effective in slowing climate change that is sweeping the earth.

``Wetlands store as much as 40 percent of global terrestrial carbon dioxide. Destruction of the wetlands will lead to the release of carbon dioxide into the air and the acceleration of global warming,'' he said.

In order to save such a natural environment, the Korean government is planning to take stronger action and a leading role in this year's convention. It will be leading the drafting of the Changwon Declaration reflecting the meeting's goals and further issues.

It will also make a certain amount of funding available to developing countries for their wetlands projects that aim to educate public officials and train experts.

In Changwon, a research center will be established aimed at being the headquarters for wetlands conservation in East Asia. The center will provide information on successful cases of wetlands conservation, professional training for wetland experts and networking opportunities among various organizations.

Still, Korea is stuck in the middle of development and conservation. There are many parts in this world that are polarized between the two. The 21st century environment minister has lots of things to do.

For the past few months in his position, Lee has been criticized by the media and civic groups for backing President Lee Myung-bak administration's development-priority policy. They said Minister Lee supported the now halted cross-country canal project, and the ongoing encroachment on the Saemangeum tidal land.

While he talked about deregulating for plant and golf course constructions, people accused him of being a man focused on development.

However, Lee said he is not talking about deregulation. He said the ministry is becoming more ``reasonable'' and ``practical'' in dealing with outdated policies.

``The ministry is changing environmental policies to keep up with the reality and adjust our focal point for the best performance. What we need are environmental policies that not only do not interfere with a company's freedom and creativity, but also avoids unnecessary inconvenience to people. Making things easier for everyone to understand; following important regulations and trimming out unnecessary ones to help out companies are the ministry's goals,'' he said.

He adapted his pragmatism to the ``wise use of wetlands,'' the No.1 priority of the Ramsar Convention. ``What must be protected must be protected, but it would be even better if wetlands are utilized as eco-tourism sites because that could result in not only their protection but also the revitalization of the local economy,'' he said.

But still, as the chair of the Convention, Lee showed concern over the climate change and other environmental issues that are facing Korea at the moment.

Lee said his main focus is on education, raising awareness of such environmental changes in life. ``According to surveys, people said they know that climate change is a big issue but taking action was another thing. What we really need is school education to teach young children about the importance of a clean environment and encourage them to conserve it through action,'' he said.

Lee said the most practical thing could be including environmental issues in the university entrance essay tests. ``In this way, I bet everyone will have to learn about climate change and others, right?'' he laughed.

``Climate change has become a life-threatening issue for all of us including animals and plants, and nobody but all of us are accountable for this. We should approach the wetlands as well as other issues with consolidated efforts and I need you there,'' he said.

bjs@koreatimes.co.kr