[Editorial] Environment Ministry to Consult with Private Groups

The Ministry of the Environment looks like it is going to restore the system it once had in place for consultation between government and private representatives, something that has been suspended for over a year. In the past, the ministry would consult with people from private groups on specific issues but from now on the consultations will involve all areas of policy. If the plan really is carried out it will be an unprecedented example of policy consultation.

As seen in the intense conflict over things like the Saemangeum land reclamation project and the high speed rail construction at Mount Cheonseong, conflict between the government and private groups over environmental issues is a major source of social conflict, though that is because preserving the environment has become something considered important in our society. That also means that the environment has been seriously damaged over time. Harmony between the environment and development is necessary for both ourselves and our posterity. Development that disregards the environment is unsustainable, and so the government, environmental groups, and the experts must work together to find answers.

The relationship between the government and environmental groups, however, has been very bad since 110 civic groups issued an "emergency declaration about the environment" at the end of 2004. Much of the blame lies with the government's failure to listen to voices of concern about the environment as it commenced on a variety of development projects. Often, concern for the environment ended up being nothing more than a formality, and in many cases there was no way for environmental groups to influence policy substantially.

Given the situation, the environment ministry's historic attempt is worthy of note. Environmental groups are carefully hopeful. The ministry's intentions, however, will not be enough. Unless there is serious government-wide consideration about the environment at the earliest stages of development projects it is very likely that the ministry and the rest of the government will be out of step. Therefore, a culture where the new consultation body's views are respected by all government ministries needs to take root. That will require the determination of the president, the prime minister, and other high-level members of the government.

The Hankyoreh, 16 January 2006.

[Translations by Seoul Selection]