The residents of Cheonsu Bay, which the Ministry of the Environment wishes to designate a special ecologic zone as an area where migratory birds arrive, are said to be preparing a movement to drive the birds away. They are concerned that if the area is designated a special ecological zone, it could create problems with Taean County’s attempts to become a tourism and leisure industry city. The country, too, is said to be planning to demand the government reconsider its plan, pointing to resident opinion.
The tens of thousands of migratory birds, such as spectacled teal, that find this place each winter are worthy not only from the point of view of ecological protection, but also as a tourism resource worthy of global interest. In fact, not so long ago, the local governments of South Chungcheong Province such as Taean County, Seosan City and Seocheon County were enthusiastic about creating an ecological tourism zone utilizing the natural resources of Shinduri Sand Dunes and Cheonsu Bay, such as the migratory birds. But now, for them to seek to toss those precious assets away to develop a “tourism industry city” is really quite regrettable.
In fact, when the government was pushing the construction of industrial cities, the acceleration of environmental destruction was a major concern, along with excessive industrial favors and worsening speculation nationwide. That’s because most of these new industrial cities seek to become tourism and leisure cities, and if you look at the plans, almost without exception, you see construction of golf courses, hotels and casinos. Within these plans is the danger that really precious natural tourism resources will be tragically destroyed.
It’s understandable that local residents, who have been neglected, might have been counting on the development benefits, and that they might reject environmental protection, which offers them no realistic benefits. Yet it’s very disappointing that even the local governments, which should be trying to persuade them, are coming out in favor of “driving the birds away.” From an economic standpoint as well, destroying your precious regional assets is not, in the end, a wise choice. One must understand that ecological resources are a future resource whose worth is gradually increasing. Local governments must be persuaded that even if one is to push becoming a tourism and leisure city, you must make sufficient use of your God-given resources, and through those resources, ensure that the benefits of the project return to local residents.
The Hankyoreh, 14 May 2005.
[Translations by Seoul Selection (EIP)]
You’re Going to Drive Away the Birds to Build a Tourism City? |
