Additional Korean tidal flats likely to join Unesco World Heritage list next month

Additional getbol, or Korea's tidal flats, are expected to be added to Unesco's World Heritage list after the advisory body for natural heritage recommended their inscription to the World Heritage Committee.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the advisory body for natural heritage, concluded that tidal flats in Yeosu, Goheung, Muan and Seosan collectively nominated as “Korea Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats Phase Ⅱ” meet the criteria for inscription for preserving biodiversity by serving as critical habitats for endangered species, according to Korea Heritage Service (KHS), in charge of Korea's Unesco world heritage sites nominations.

If the second phase gets approved, the expanded serial World Heritage property will comprise six components, including the existing four getbol sites of Seocheon, Gochang, Shinan and Boseong-Suncheon, which were approved in 2021 at the 44th World Heritage Committee.

The IUCN additionally recommended analysis of additional getbol regions in Korea with potential of outstanding universal value and continue engaging local community for support. Unesco World Heritage designations are oftentimes opposed by the local community because they often bring stricter environmental regulation and development restriction.

A final decision on the inscription of Korea Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats Phase Ⅱwill be made during the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee taking place in Busan this July.

The KHS said it will work closely with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, local governments and communities to the fortify preservation and management of Korea's getbol as a world natural heritage. The agency also said it would faithfully implement the IUCN’s recommendations to secure final approval for Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats Phase Ⅱ.

BY JIN EUN-SOO [jin.eunsoo@joongang.co.kr]