Ecological restoration is the future of Saemangeum: Environmental groups urge complete revision of development plan

Environmental organizations are urging a fundamental shift in the Saemangeum development strategy, moving away from land reclamation and dredging towards ecological restoration driven by continuous seawater circulation. The Saemangeum Constant Seawater Circulation Movement Headquarters held a press conference at the Jeonbuk Provincial Government Office, demanding a complete overhaul of the current basic development plan.

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Saemangeum has reached a stage where it can no longer be approached solely by development logic.

"Saemangeum has reached a stage where it can no longer be approached solely by development logic," the movement stated. They argue that the existing plan, designed for freshwaterification and extensive reclamation, is flawed as the freshwaterification policy has largely failed, and agricultural land is being converted into industrial and urban areas. The group emphasizes that adopting development strategies that utilize existing surrounding areas instead of focusing on reclamation and dredging would reduce environmental damage and shorten project timelines and costs.

The organizations stress the necessity of expanding constant seawater circulation to restore the Saemangeum ecosystem. They point out that the current management water level of -1.5 meters in Saemangeum Lake restricts seawater flow, hindering water quality improvements and leading to recurring issues like low-oxygen conditions in deep water and mass fish deaths on the surface. "The issue is not how low the water level is maintained, but whether the Saemangeum water system will remain closed," they argued, advocating for a structure that connects the sea and the lake to ensure water circulation.

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The issue is not how low the water level is maintained, but whether the Saemangeum water system will remain closed.

Furthermore, the movement criticized the operational methods of the Saemangeum Committee, asserting that the Saemangeum project has been driven by top-down decision-making from the central government and conducted through "backroom deals." They demand the committee be reorganized into a democratic decision-making body that includes residents, fishermen, civil society, environmental groups, and local experts. They also called for a public deliberation process involving citizens for any changes to the basic plan and proposed that the Jeonbuk Provincial Government establish a public-private cooperation body to foster social consensus. The group also submitted a formal request to the provincial governor for a review of the lake's management water level, increased seawater circulation, adjustments to unrealistic reclamation plans, mid-to-long-term measures for fisheries damage caused by the project, and consideration of replacing the Saemangeum airport with a high-speed rail link, along with designating the Surak Tidal Flat as a protected area.

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The Saemangeum project has been driven by top-down decision-making from the central government and conducted through 'backroom deals.'