South Korean Islanders Spearhead Marine Debris Cleanup Initiative

Residents on South Korea's picturesque islands are taking the lead in tackling marine pollution through an expanded self-collection program. The Korea National Park Service (KNPS) announced it is broadening its "Resident Autonomous Collection Program" to 22 islands within the Dadohaehaesang and Hallyeohaesang Marine National Parks.

This initiative empowers local communities to manage and remove the growing problem of marine debris that washes ashore, particularly during the summer months when heavy rains and typhoons increase the influx of trash. The unique geography of island coastlines often causes debris to accumulate rapidly, posing environmental challenges.

The KNPS provides financial incentives for the collection efforts, while local governments supply necessary equipment like transport vessels. This collaborative approach allows residents to actively participate in cleaning their environment. The program began in 2022 with eight islands and has since seen a significant increase in both the amount of waste removed and the number of participating residents.

Over the past four years, the program has successfully removed 1,760 tons of marine waste. The number of participating residents has surged from 718 in 2022 to 3,538 in 2025. The KNPS also plans to deploy cleanup crews to heavily visited beaches in cooperation with local authorities, aiming to reduce the debris removal cycle to within five days.