๐ฟ Protecting Jeju's Environment: Residents and CSOs Rally Against Urban Management Plan Changes
In Jeju, residents and civil society organizations (CSOs) have united in a press conference at the Jeju Provincial Assembly to voice their concerns over proposed changes to the urban management plan. At the heart of the dispute lies the potential rezoning of Hamdeok-ri, Jocheon-eup, Jeju-si, which could have far-reaching consequences for the environment and community well-being.
The proposed changes, which seek to shift the area from planned management to planned development, have sparked outrage among residents. With existing cement factories and logistics centers already impacting the area, concerns about groundwater contamination and the degradation of Hamdeok Beach's water quality are mounting.
Despite government initiatives such as the introduction of a natural resource cap-and-trade system, controversies persist. The Ministry of Environment is spearheading efforts to protect wetlands through the Natural Resource Quota System and revisions to environmental laws. However, challenges remain in evaluating the true value of wetlands and incorporating them into policy-making.
As discussions intensify, it is clear that the preservation of Jeju's unique ecosystem is a shared responsibility. Wetlands serve as biodiversity havens, offering invaluable ecosystem services and cultural heritage. It is imperative that we work together to ensure their protection and pass on their benefits to future generations.
Join us in advocating for sustainable urban planning and environmental conservation in Jeju. Together, let's safeguard our natural heritage for the generations to come. ๐๐ฑ
Residents and civil society organizations (CSOs) in Jeju gathered at the Jeju Provincial Assembly for a press conference regarding proposed changes to the urban management plan. The conflict arises from plans to rezone Hamdeok-ri, Jocheon-eup, Jeju-si, from planned management to planned development, potentially affecting residents' livelihoods and groundwater quality due to existing cement factories and logistics centers. Opponents argue that such changes could lead to groundwater contamination and degradation of Hamdeok Beach's water quality. Despite the government's intention to introduce a natural resource cap-and-trade system to prevent wetland damage, controversies persist over the proposed rezoning. The Ministry of Environment is actively promoting the introduction of the Natural Resource Quota System and revising relevant laws to protect wetlands.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: What is the primary concern of residents and CSOs in Jeju? A: They are concerned about proposed changes to the urban management plan, particularly the rezoning of Hamdeok-ri, Jocheon-eup, Jeju-si, from planned management to planned development, and its potential impacts on livelihoods and groundwater quality.
Q: What are the key arguments against the proposed changes? A: Opponents argue that rezoning could lead to groundwater contamination, degradation of Hamdeok Beach's water quality, and depletion of springs, posing risks to the environment and residents' well-being.
Q: What government initiative is mentioned in the article? A: The government intends to introduce a natural resource cap-and-trade system similar to the wetland cap-and-trade system implemented in the United States and Canada to prevent wetland damage.
Q: What steps is the Ministry of Environment taking to protect wetlands? A: The Ministry of Environment is promoting the introduction of the Natural Resource Quota System and revising relevant laws to safeguard wetlands. It also plans to evaluate the benefits of wetlands to humans and incorporate them into policy-making.
Q: What are the concerns raised about wetland conservation? A: Wetlands, which are biodiversity hotspots and provide various ecosystem services, face threats from development and human activities. Protecting wetlands is essential to ensure their benefits are passed on to future generations.
#JejuEnvironment, #UrbanPlanning, #WetlandConservation, #EnvironmentalProtection, #CommunityActivism
