South Korea's tidal flats expand on UNESCO list; Incheon groups seek further inclusion

South Korea's tidal flats in Goheung, Muan, Yeosu, and Seosan have been officially designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, marking the second phase of expansion for "Korea's Tidal Flats." This decision by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee adds four new locations to the existing site, which was first inscribed in 2021 with sites in Seocheon, Gochang, Boseong, and Suncheon.

Following the announcement, environmental organizations in Incheon are strongly advocating for the inclusion of Incheon's tidal flats in a subsequent, third phase of expansion. The Incheon Tidal Wetland World Heritage Promotion Civic Cooperation Group stated that the World Heritage Committee recognized the existence of more important tidal flats eligible for future inclusion. They emphasized that a third phase expansion is no longer optional and must include the Incheon tidal flats at its core.

Incheon's tidal flats form a vital ecological axis connecting the Han River estuary to the Yellow Sea, linking tidal flats and seas around Ganghwa, Jangbong, Yeongjong, Songdo, and Yeonpyeong islands. This area serves as a critical habitat for internationally endangered migratory birds, including the Black-faced Spoonbill and Eurasian Oystercatcher, along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.

The Incheon group urged the South Korean government to immediately consider Incheon's tidal flats as a key candidate for the third phase, initiating necessary surveys and local consultations. They also called on the Incheon city government to officially designate the promotion of Incheon's tidal flats for World Heritage status as a core policy and establish a cooperative framework involving local governments, residents, and civic groups.

“

The third phase expansion is no longer an option. The Incheon tidal flats must be at its center.