On Friday the "Bill on Sustainable Use of Dokdo" was approved by the National Assembly's Agriculture, Forestry, Maritime Affairs, and Fisheries Committee, meaning active discussion about the issue has now begun. What will be important is that measures taken are made to be effective.
The bill contains clauses about preserving Dokdo's natural environment and the rational use of the maritime resources surrounding the islets. Those are goals that can be achieved through existing legislation or through administrative or budgetary measures, so some are saying the bill is more about "legislative symbolism." See, Dokdo already has protection under the "Special Law on Preserving the Ecology of Dokdo and Other Islands," the "Law on Protecting Cultural Properties," and the approximately 30 species there are designated as protected species as well. The bill now at the National Assembly, therefore, should be worked on so that it satisfies new needs that have arisen.
The expression "use of Dokdo" must not be allowed to lead to misunderstanding, namely that it has to do with "development." While one understands the desire to develop Dokdo, we should make sure that will not bring about international criticism. The islets do not have surface soil suitable for trampling on and sustaining human life, and getting enough drinking water is not easy. While the late Choe Jong Deok and others lived there for fishing purposes, since then there has not been significant habitation. It should not be artificially made an inhabited island for political purposes. It would be foolish to send tourists and people to live there when a rock island will erode and weather away even without that.
It is for these reasons that we think the Democratic Labor Party's resolution calling for the government to establish policies for the ecological and peaceful preservation of Dokdo and that it seek UNESCO recognition as world natural heritage is a wise proposal. The islets are a world-class geological site demonstrating the evolution of seamounts and a "lithological treasure chest." They are also recognized for the value of the marine ecosystem there. Caring for the world's precious natural heritage and doing it in our name sounds like a meaningful way of handling the question of Dokdo.
The Hankyoreh, 25 April 2005.
[Translations by Seoul Selection (PMS)]
[Editorial] Dokdo Measures Must Be Effective |
