Korean Grand Canal Project: Petition for Adherence to National Conservation Laws and Guidance Provided by the Ramsar Convention.

 

 


Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata Photo © Dr. Robin Newlin
Declining and ecologically-dependent on rivers, Birds Korea believes that this exquisite species is further threatened by the Korean Grand Canal project.
Natural biodiversity and intact ecosystems (including rivers and associated wetlands) have multiple values, and provide essential services and benefits to people. While noting the Republic of Korea’s existing commitment to the conservation of wetlands and biodiversity through national legislation and international conventions such as Ramsar (even hosting the next triennial Ramsar Convention conference in late 2008), we are deeply concerned that the Korean Grand Canal project as proposed will cause enormous negative impacts on the nation’s major rivers and river-based biodiversity. Canalization of rivers, requiring their dredging, deepening and widening, and the construction of strengthened dykes; construction of other support infrastructure, such as service roads and port facilities; and use of the proposed canals by a large number of boats, will all likely have major negative impacts on many river-dependent species, several of which are either believed to be endemic to Korea or are known to be globally threatened.

We therefore respectfully add our voices to those in Korea and around the world:

  1. In calling for an independent, open and expert analysis of the Korean Grand Canal project and its anticipated impacts on wetland ecosystems and on biodiversity.

    2. And,

  2. In urging that such analysis and the resultant decision (on whether to proceed, modify or cancel the Grand Canal project altogether), be fully in line both with existing national conservation laws, and also with guidance provided clearly in the Articles and Resolutions of the Ramsar Convention, representing best international practice (towards sustainable development of wetlands), and already agreed to publicly and formally by all contracting nations, including the Republic of Korea.

Sincerely,

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Petitions sent to GrandCanal@birdskorea.org will be shared between Birds Korea, The Korean Federation for Environmental Movements/Friends of the Earth Korea, and other petition-support organizations, for passing on to the President’s office and other relevant government bodies.

For further information on the Korean Grand Canal project see:

http://www.birdskorea.org/Habitats/Grand_Canal/BK-HA-Grand-Canal.shtml

http://www.foei.org/en/get-involved/take-action/great-korea-canal-project

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/02/20/asia/canal.php