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Honorable Kim Dae
Jung President, Saemangeum Tidal Flat Reclamation Project Dear Mr. President, I'm writing on behalf of the Bund fur Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland (BUND), Friends of the Earth Germany, and its 365.000 members, to express our support and solidarity for the Korean Federation of Environmental Movements in its efforts to oppose the Saemangeum Tidal Flat Reclamation Project. Korea's tidal flats are - like the tidal flat areas of Germany - some of the world's rarest. They possess extensive social, economic and environmental value as they are productive, biologically diverse, function as water purifiers, and protect the seashore. The Saemangeum Reclamation Project will harm or even destroy these internationally important wetland tidal flats and will seriously jeopardize their use by marine and migratory bird life. Mr. President, we urge you to conserve the Saemangeum Tidal Flat as a valued asset in the Republic of Korea's natural heritage. The example of the protection of the German tidal flats as a national park may show you, that keeping the tidal flats in their natural state will be of a greater benefit for the economic development of the region than reclamation. Our National Park "Wattenmeer" at the North Sea coast has become one of the most important tourist areas of Germany. It secures jobs and provides local markets to the resident farmers and artisans. We urge you to discontinue plans for a reclamation project in the Saemangeum Tidal Flat. Instead, we call on you to turn the tidal flat into a protected area. In the run up to the World Summit on Sustainable Development in September 2002, the Seamangeum tidal flats should become a flagship project showing that the Republic of Korea is serious about implementing a national strategy for sustainable development. Yours sincerely,
Dr. Gerhard Timm
Berlin, den 18. Jun. 2001 Fon: 0 30/2 75 86-4
30 JAWAN's letter (Japan Wetlands Action Network) Honourable Ms. Kim,
Myung ja, Minister, Dear Ms. Minister,
I am sending this message this message from Japan regarding the Saemangeum Land Reclamation Project on behalf ofgrass-roots groups in Japan that are working together for conservation and wise use of wetlands as the Japan Wetlands Action Network. We have recieved messages from our friends in Korea and read newspaper articles updating developments in the Saemangeum Project that have reported a postponement of the decision on this project. We are very concerned about the future of the precious tidal flats that will be affected by this project and the many lives that depend on it. Its fate will also affect our wetlands in Japan. Japan Wetlands Action Network is a network of 63 grass-roots conservation groups working for wetlands all over Japan, established in 1991. We have been working with colleagues of wetland conservation organisations in Korea for nearly ten years, including the exchange of groups in local level. In support of campaigns in your country to Stop Saemangeum Reclamationin Korea, Japan Wetlands Action Network respectfully requests you, President KIM Dae Jung, and the Korean Government to decide NOT to reclaim it. We know that the tidal flat wetland threatened by the Saemangeum Project is one of the richest coastal wetland in the world in natural resources. The project will not only destroy all life in the coastal area, but it will also destroy part of a regional ecosystem shared by our countries. At the top of the ecosystem in the project area are innumerable migratory birds that also use wetlands in Japan and other countries in East Asia/Australasia Region. These amazing creatures tie us closely together. If they lose your wetland, many of them will not be able to survive. And the loss will surely affect their populations in Japan. The fate of a small proportion in your country will have a substantial effect in our country. And a change at the top of the food chain greatly affects the whole ecosystem and the products that depend on it. It will be sure to affect the life of people of both of our countries, especially through its effects on fisheries. For this reason, we respectflly request you to keep your objection for the SaemangeumReclamation Project. We support your effort not to lose the priceless treasure for our children and grandchildren on this globe, in return to a seemingly colourful pipe dream that will transform this rich area to one that is barren and completely colourless. Lastly, we pray for the health and prosperity of you and your people, and for an ever more friendly relationship among the people of both of our countries. TSUJI Atsuo, Representative,
2001.6.18 Contact:
International house of Japan's letter Hororable Kim Dae
Jung Dear Mr. President: I would like to express my support and solidarity for the Korean Federation of Environmental Movements in its effort to oppose the Saemangeum Tidal Flat Reclamation Project being pursued by the government of the Republic of Korea. Korea's tidal flats are some of the world's rarest, and possess unlimited social, economic, and environmental value because they are so rich in productivity, diversity in living species, purification of water, and protection of the seashore. We are saddened by the fact that despite increased environmental awareness, more than 30% of Korea's tidal flats have been destroyed. The 40,100 hectares of coastal wetlands being threatened by the Saemangeum Reclamation Project are of international significance. I am deeply concerned that the Saemangeum Reclamation Project will destroy not only the tidal flats, but also the local community that is based on the natural resources provided by these tidal flats. I note that the disappearance of the tidal flats at Saemangeum is causing the rapid destruction of the habitat of East Asian migratory birds that breed in Siberia and spend the winter in Australia. As the tidal flats of Korea are a main stop over along the migration route of the migratory birds of East Asia, their role is important to the international community. If the Saemangeum Tidal Flats are destroyed, these migratory birds will face extinction. The Korean government should immediately stop this land reclamation project, as it is a profound threat to the survival of migratory birds in East Asia. I urge you to halt the project for the following reasons:
Most of your past efforts have been dedicated to human rights and peace on the Korean Peninsula and the world. Peace is essential to other species, as well as, human beings. I hope you wisely decide to cancel the Saemangeum Reclamation Project, as you did the Dong River Dam Project. I hope you consider the peace of the other species, as a Winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. Sincerely Yours, Naoko Shimamura
May 23, 2001 22 May 2001 Honorable Kim Dae
Jung Dear Mr Kim Stop the huge reclamation Project in Korea The Conservancy Association, founded in 1968, is the non-government environmental organization with the longest history in Hong Kong. We would like to express our concern over the Saemangeum Tidal Flat Reclamation Project being pursued by the government of the Republic of Korea. The project has raised objections from the Korean Federation of Environmental Movements and a number of other local or foreign environmental groups. As a champion of sustainable development, the Association is dedicated to the protection of the environment and the conservation of natural and cultural heritage. As far as our understanding, Korea's tidal flats are some of the world's rarest, and possess high social, economic, and environmental value because they are so rich in productivity, diversity in living species, purification of water, and protection of the seashore. Despite increased environmental awareness, more than 30% of Korea's tidal flats have been destroyed. The 40,100 hectares of coastal wetlands being threatened by the Saemangeum Reclamation Project are of international significance. While we are concerned about the wetland conservation as well as sustainable development in Hong Kong, we also shoulder the responsibility to urge foreign countries to preserve assets of natural heritage in their own countries. We are deeply concerned that the Saemangeum Reclamation Project will destroy not only the tidal flats, but also the local community that is based on the natural resources provided by these tidal flats. The disappearance of the tidal flats at Saemangeum is causing the rapid destruction of the habitat of East Asian migratory birds that breed in Siberia and spend the winter in Australia. As the tidal flats of Korea are a main stop over along the migration route of the migratory birds of East Asia, their role is important to the international community. If the Saemangeum Tidal Flats are destroyed, these migratory birds will face extinction. Therefore, The Conservancy Association urges the Korean government to immediately stop this land reclamation project, as it is a profound threat to the survival of migratory birds in East Asia. We urge you to halt the project for the following reasons: - Save the bio-diversity of the tidal flats. Humans do not have a right to destroy other species. We need to harmonize with them. - Wise management of the Saemangeum area. Reclamation is not a good activity to promote economic development. Keeping the Tidal Flats in their natural state will be of greater benefit local people and local government than reclamation. - Adverse international publicity. Many countries have stopped their large coastal development projects. The emphasis is now on preserving coastal wetlands and tidal flats. If you continue to pursue the Saemangeum Reclamation Project, it will be the top story of environmental destruction in the 21st Century. - Keep your word. You told members of the PCSD "Current environmental deterioration and pollution in our country resulted from wrong policies that were pro-development. It is time for us to reform our old paradigm." (20 Sep, 2000). Most of your past efforts have been dedicated to human rights and peace on the Korean Peninsula and the world. Peace is essential to other species, as well as, human beings. The Association hopes that you would wisely decide to cancel the Saemangeum Reclamation Project, as you did the Dong River Dam Project. We hope you consider the peace of the other species, as a Winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. Yours sincerely Gordon T L Ng (Dr)
President : Kim Dae
Jung Dear President Kim Dae Jung: Warm greetings from Philadelphia. On behalf of the American Friends Service Committee I would like to express support for efforts by the environmental community in the Republic of Korea to preserve the Saemangeum wetlands and stop the Saemangeum Reclamation Project. This site is well known as one of the most important remaining wetland areas in the world. I am aware that there are also many people lifting their voices in opposition to the project: especially the Ministries of Environment, and Maritime and Fisheries. As you know, environmental NGOs, religious groups, and a broad group of academics in many fields are speaking out strongly to save Korea's coastal wetlands. We urge you to listen to the voices of the Korean Federation of Environmental Movement and others in Korean civil society and act now to stop the reclamation project. The courage and vision which you have so amply demonstrated throughout your career in the service of peace and justice, are now called to serve the cause of preserving the integrity of creation. The future of our planet depends on political leadership on these issues, in Korea, in the United States and in other nations. Respectfully yours, Martin Garate May 22, 2001 International Socio-Ecological Union Postal address: p.b. 211 Moscow Russia 121019, President Kim Dae Jung Dear Mr.President of the Republic of Korea! We believe that you - as a Nobel Peace prize winner and the head of one of the oldest countries in the world will look at this discutable problem with long-term approach. We believe in your wisdom. We support the opinion of those in Korea (environmental NGOs, religious groups, etc) who consider these wetlands as unique national Korean and Global natural heritage, who oppose short-term exploitation of these lands what will lead to the destruction of wilderness for the interests of business and local government. Co-chairman of Council, Wetlands International - Asia Pacific The Right Honorable
Kim Dae-jung Dear Mr. President I am writing to express the concern of Wetlands International - Asia Pacific about the threats to intertidal areas in East Asia and in particularly, the Saemankeum reclamation project (Mankyeung and Tongjing Rivers) in the Republic of Korea. I would like to congratulate your government on efforts that are being made to re-evaluate the wisdom of coastal reclamation in the Republic of Korea, in particular the Saemankeum reclamation project. In 1999, at the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar, Iran 1971) Wetlands International actively supported the passing of a Resolution on "Enhancing the conservation and wise use of intertidal wetlands". This Resolution was sponsored by the Republic of Korea and The Philippines. In adopting this Resolution, all Parties to the Convention recognised the importance of intertidal wetlands and specifically: "13. URGES Contracting Parties to review and modify existing policies that adversely affect intertidal wetlands, to seek to introduce measures for the long-term conservation of these areas, and to provide advice on the success, or otherwise, of these actions in their National Reports to Ramsar COP8" 14. FURTHER URGES Contracting Parties to identify and designate as Wetlands of International Importance a greater number and area of intertidal wetlands, especially tidal flats, giving priority to those sites which are important to indigenous people and local communities, and those holding globally threatened wetland species, as encouraged by Resolution VII.11; and 15. ALSO URGES all Contracting Parties to suspend the promotion, creation of new facilities, and expansion of unsustainable aquaculture activities harmful to coastal wetlands until such time as assessments of the environmental and social impact of such activities, together with appropriate studies, identify measures aimed at establishing a sustainable system of aquaculture that is in harmony both with the environment and with local communities." In following some of the discussion about the values of the Saemankeum intertidal areas I am concerned that the value of the area to migratory waterbirds may not have been fully recognized and appreciated. Data collected by Government Agencies and non-government organisation in the Republic of Korea suggest that the area:
To address the need for an international framework for migratory waterbird conservation, Wetlands International has taken the lead in developing the Asia-Pacific Migratory Waterbird Conservation Strategy. This initiate involved government agencies, Conventions, site mangers and NGOs. The Strategy serves to promote conservation of wetlands of international importance for migratory waterbirds, raise awareness of local people of the value of wetlands and waterbirds, provide training for conservation, etc. The Republic of Korea have been closely involved in the initiative since 1996 through the nomination and conservation of a few sites of international importance for migratory cranes, shorebirds and ducks, geese and swans (Anatidae). We would greatly appreciate the efforts of the Korean Government to conserve all globally significant wetlands and to take into future consideration the nomination of Saemankeum as a network site. In view of its importance, I strongly support the views expressed by Korean environmental groups and the positions of the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries that the Saemankeum Reclamation Project should be cancelled. Having had the pleasure of visiting Tongjing River in 1999, I was struck by the natural beauty of the area, and its importance for large flocks of migratory waterbirds and number of local fishermen using the mudflats and inshore waters. It is our wish that in making a final decision on the Saemankeum reclamation project you consider the global impacts it would have on biodiversity. Wetlands International will follow with interest the decision taken by the Government to conserve this site. With best wishes, Yours sincerely, Dr. Taej Mundkur
Honorable Kim Dae
Jung President Kim: I am writing on behalf of the United States' largest and oldest environmental organization - Sierra Club and its 630,000 members - to urge you to terminate the controversial Saemangeum Reclamation Project, which has attracted international concern. The Club understands that this Project threatens to harm or even destroy internationally important wetland tidal flats and seriously jeopardize their use by marine and migratory bird life. Mr. President, we earnestly hope that you will reexamine the reportedly dubious economic and tax assumptions underlying the project. Stopping Saemangeum would avert the loss of what many scientists and international authorities say is a productive biological area in the chain of remaining wetlands around the Sea of Korea that should be protected so the shoreline ecology can remain healthy. If the Saemangeum mud flat is a significant link in the ecological system of the region, then the Club agrees with many Korean institutions and individuals that it should remain conserved as a valued asset in the Republic of Korea's natural heritage. Respectfully, Michele Perrault
Urgewald
letter Dear Madam or Sir, We are very concerned about your Saemangeum project on the southwestern mud flats. As we were informed by the environmental movement KFEM (Korean Federation for Environmental Movement) it will completely destroy the natural environment of the area, including Gunsan, Kimje, and Buan which are of international importance. The mud flats are one of the world's five most ecologically important ones. It is a unique natural environment that provides a variety of benefits: They have a rich source of nutrients that support a wide range of marine life, animals and birds. They help recharge the water table. They are able to purify polluted water through natural processes. The coastal wetlands also serve as a buffer for storms and typhoons that lash the coast. Therefore the mud flat should not be regarded as useless land but as an ecological treasure chest that needs to be preserved. Even if this project has the target to improve the quality of water, bad experiences of former projects have been made like the Shiwha lake project in 1996, where all life in the water completely died. As in this project also the Saemangeum project wastes your tax money. Many of the local residents realized that this project would bring them a deteriorated environment so they oppose this project. The Saemangeum project will inevitably destroy the ecological system of the coastal wetlands. It also requires a huge amount of stones for building the dam what requires a lot of soils and stones. As a result, mountains are to level to the ground or damage by excavations. So the Saemangeum project is not only destroying the sea-ecology, but also mountain land-ecology. We ask you to use your influence to stop this project. Korea needs to preserve this unique Saemangeum mud flat to keep it alive! We wish to thank you in advance for your intervention and support in this case. Yours sincerely, Gesch?tsstelle
May 7, 2001 environment and development service for NGOs
Mr. Kim, Dae jung President of the Republic of Korea Your Excellency, We understand that your government is scheduled to take a decision about the Seamangeum land reclamation project around the middle of April. We wish to share some major concerns about this project:
As you will be aware, The Netherlands has extensive experience with land reclamation projects. However, for the last three decades, no new land reclamation projects have been undertaken in the tidal flat area in the northern part of our country. This area, known as the Wadden Sea, has the status of an internationally protected national park, in which no new reclamation projects are allowed. We like to suggest that Korea should consider to grant the same status to its remaining unique coastal mud-flats. In the light of these concerns, we respectfully would like to ask you to reconsider the approval of the Seamangeum land reclamation project. Yours sincerely, Wiert Wiertsema
29 March 2001 Questionary of Bob Brown who is Australian Green Party MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND HERITAGE (Question No. 2626) Senator Brown asked
the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, upon notice, on 27 July
2000: (1) What area
of mud flats will be lost? (2) What species
of migratory birds that fly to Australia or New Zealand visit Saemangeum?
Which migratory species from Australia do not visit Saemangeum? (3) What number
or percentage of these species use the Saemangeum mudflats or other Korean
wetlands? (4) What impact
will the loss of the Saemangeum mud flats have on migratory birds species? (5) What negotiation
has Australian had with South Korea about Saemangeum and what future negotiations
are planned? Has Australia objected to the Saemangeum project and, if
not, does it plan to do so? Stop the Saemangeum
Land Reclamation Project! SanFrancisco, USA.
We have come together today to call a final end to a century in which both humanity and nature were oppressed by humanity and begin creating a society in which nature and humanity live in harmony. As recipients of the Goldman Environmental Prize, we have confronted money and government to protect the ecosystem and local communities. In this fight we have endured danger and hardship, but today express our support and solidarity for the Korean Federation of Environmental Movements in its effort to oppose the Saemangeum Tidal Flat Land Reclamation Project being pursued by the government of the Republic of Korea. We again demand that the Korean government respect the 'Resolution on the Preservation and Wise Use of Wetlands' adopted at the Seventh Ramsar Convention on Wetlands and declare the following: 1. Korea's tidal flats are some of the world's rarest, and possess unlimited social, economic, and environmental value as they are rich in productivity, diverse in living species, purify water, and protect the seashore. Local residents, environmental organizations, and environmental experts have come to have a deeper understanding of the productivity and value of these tidal flats, and many local and state projects have been launched to work for the preservation and wise use of swamps. We are saddened by the fact that despite increased awareness, more than 30% of Korea's tidal flats have been destroyed. The 40,100 hectars of coastal swamp being threatened by the Saemangeum Land Reclamation Project are of international significance, and the W2213.7 billion (US$1.9 billion) budgeted for this project is a waste of the precious taxes of the Korean people. We are deeply concerned that the Saemangeum Land Reclamation Project will destroy not only the tidal flats but also the local community that is based on the natural resources provided by these tidal flats. 2. We note that the disappearance of the tidal flats at Saemangeum is causing the rapid destruction of the habitat of East Asian migratory birds that breed in Siberia and spend winter in Australia. As the tidal flats of Korea are a main stopover along the migration route of the migratory birds of East Asia, their role is of importance to the international community. If the Saemangeum Tidal Flats are destroyed, these migratory birds will face extinction. Australia, Japan, and other nations are working for the protection of these birds while the Korean government is alone continuing to ignore greater wisdom in approaching this issue. In May of 1999 the member countries of Seventh Ramsar Convention on Wetlands met in San Jose, Costa Rica and adopted the 'Resolution on the Preservation and Wise Use of Wetlands' after much effort on the part of Korean and Japanese NGO's. The Korean government is a signatory nation of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, and should immediately stop this land reclamation project as it is a profound threat to the survival of migratory birds in East Asia. |
