Halla Mountain, Manjanggul Cave, Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, and other six sites on Jeju Island were named global geoparks by UNESCO.
UNESCO’s Global Geopark Network of National Geoparks (GGN) announced at the 9th European Geoparks Conference, held on Lesvos Island in Greece on Sunday, October 3 (Korean time), that it has officially designated nine scenic sites in Jeju-do as global geoparks. Korea is the fifth country in Asia to be recognized by UNESCO for its geoparks.
The sites are Halla Mountain, Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, Manjanggul Cave, the Seogwipo Stratum, the Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls, Jusangjeolli Cliffs, Sangbang Mountain, Yongmeori Beach and Suwolbong Peak.
This isn’t the first time the island has received attention for its rich natural environment. Of the newly designated geoparks, Hallasan, Seongsan Ilchulbong, and Manjanggul were also designated UNESCO World Natural Heritage sites in 2007. Hallasan was also certified as a Biosphere Reserve in 2002. Additional honors went to the unique culture of Jeju, as its shaman dance “Chilmeori-dang Yeongdeung-gut” was included in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in 2009.
“Jeju-do is the only place in the world that has won the so many world titles from UNESCO,” said Woo Keun-min, Governor of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, on Monday (Oct. 4). “To be designated as a UNESCO World Geopark is an outstanding achievement.”
UNESCO plans to deliver the document of ratification to Jeju-do at the fifth general conference of World Geoparks, scheduled to take place in Unzen, Japan in 2012.
The latest ratification is expected to be reflected in booklets and promotional materials issued by UNESCO, and hopefully give tourism for the region a boost.
Jeju-do plans to form a task force of geology experts and public officials to help manage the designated sites. The team will be in charge of overall management, including establishing a visitors’ center, information guide, and work on systematic preservation and utilization of the sites.
Jeju-do will also pursue exchange and cooperation with other geoparks abroad, and bid to hold the sixth general conference of GCN, scheduled for 2014.
UNESCO’s Geoparks Programme aims to preserve sites of academic value for earth sciences and geography, and enhance the value of those sites by stimulating tourism and promoting regional economic development. Sites are assessed in six categories, including on soil quality and scenery, management system, explanations and environmental education, tourism, sustainable development of the regional economy, and accessibility. Aside from key areas that require special preservation, development is allowed for tourism. Re-evaluation will take place once every four years for the first eight years after ratification.
There are currently 66 sites in 21 nations included on the list.
UNESCO’s Global Geopark Network of National Geoparks (GGN) announced at the 9th European Geoparks Conference, held on Lesvos Island in Greece on Sunday, October 3 (Korean time), that it has officially designated nine scenic sites in Jeju-do as global geoparks. Korea is the fifth country in Asia to be recognized by UNESCO for its geoparks.
The sites are Halla Mountain, Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, Manjanggul Cave, the Seogwipo Stratum, the Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls, Jusangjeolli Cliffs, Sangbang Mountain, Yongmeori Beach and Suwolbong Peak.
This isn’t the first time the island has received attention for its rich natural environment. Of the newly designated geoparks, Hallasan, Seongsan Ilchulbong, and Manjanggul were also designated UNESCO World Natural Heritage sites in 2007. Hallasan was also certified as a Biosphere Reserve in 2002. Additional honors went to the unique culture of Jeju, as its shaman dance “Chilmeori-dang Yeongdeung-gut” was included in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in 2009.
“Jeju-do is the only place in the world that has won the so many world titles from UNESCO,” said Woo Keun-min, Governor of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, on Monday (Oct. 4). “To be designated as a UNESCO World Geopark is an outstanding achievement.”
UNESCO plans to deliver the document of ratification to Jeju-do at the fifth general conference of World Geoparks, scheduled to take place in Unzen, Japan in 2012.
The latest ratification is expected to be reflected in booklets and promotional materials issued by UNESCO, and hopefully give tourism for the region a boost.
Jeju-do plans to form a task force of geology experts and public officials to help manage the designated sites. The team will be in charge of overall management, including establishing a visitors’ center, information guide, and work on systematic preservation and utilization of the sites.
Jeju-do will also pursue exchange and cooperation with other geoparks abroad, and bid to hold the sixth general conference of GCN, scheduled for 2014.
UNESCO’s Geoparks Programme aims to preserve sites of academic value for earth sciences and geography, and enhance the value of those sites by stimulating tourism and promoting regional economic development. Sites are assessed in six categories, including on soil quality and scenery, management system, explanations and environmental education, tourism, sustainable development of the regional economy, and accessibility. Aside from key areas that require special preservation, development is allowed for tourism. Re-evaluation will take place once every four years for the first eight years after ratification.
There are currently 66 sites in 21 nations included on the list.
source:Korea.net
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