Changnyeong-gun County, Gyeongsangnam-do Province, on July 5 was designated Changnyeong Biosphere Reserve at the session of the International Co-ordinating Council for the UNESCO program Man and the Biosphere in Agadir, Morocco. Shown is Upo Wetland, a complex of natural wetlands in the county.

By Israa Mohamed
Photos = Changnyeong-gun County Office

UNESCO has designated as a biosphere reserve all of Changnyeong-gun County, Gyeongsangnam-do Province.

The Ministry of Environment and Korea National Park Service on July 7 said the county, which covers 530.51 square km, was designated Changnyeong Biosphere Reserve at the July 5 session of the International Co-ordinating Council for the UNESCO program Man and the Biosphere in Agadir, Morocco.

A biosphere reserve is one of the major three areas designated by UNESCO. The term refers to a region where biodiversity is preserved and a sustainable development model created jointly with the regional community, centered on areas with conservation of biodiversity as a core value. Starting with Seoraksan Mountain in 1982, Korea now has 10 such reserves with the addition of Changnyeong-gun.

UNESCO described the county as "encompassing habitats ranging from the lush forests of Mount Hwawang to the sprawling Upo Wetland and agricultural croplands," adding, "It serves as a sanctuary for several species, nurturing a delicate balance between freshwater ecosystems, forests teeming with life and sustainable agriculture."

"Notably, Upo Wetland stands as a testament to successful conservation efforts, exemplified by the restoration of the endangered crested ibis (Nipponia nippon) since 2008."

The main areas of the Changnyeong reserve are Upo Wetland, a complex of natural wetlands, and Hwawangsan County Park, both of which are strictly protected under law due to their high ecological value. Both regions are connected by the basins of the streams Topyeongcheon, Gyeseongcheon and Changnyeongcheon, which were set as buffer zones, and the remaining areas were designated cooperation zones.

The county government said it will integrate the area's wetland and forest ecosystems, boost the added value of eco-friendly products as an outstanding ecological region certified by UNESCO, and help raise the income of residents through ecotourism projects befitting Changnyeong-gun's UNESCO designation. 

Hwawangsan Mountain is in Changnyeong-gun County, Gyeongsangnam-do Province