The Geum Estuary Project

Key points

• The Geum Estuary in the Republic of Korea is one of the most important stopover sites for birds in this flyway, and we are seeking to conserve it with this project.
• According to the IUCN, 60% of Korea’s coastal wetlands have disappeared in the last 50 years, developed out of existence.
• These wetlands are vital stopover sites for migratory birds. As mudflats disappear, more birds are squeezed onto smaller areas.
• Yubu Island is one of the last stopover sites with a healthy environment. As many as 800,000 birds stop at this site, and many belong to threatened species.

Protecting the East Asian–Australasian Flyway with the Geum Estuary Project

There are few sites as important for migratory shorebirds as the Geum Estuary. It regularly supports internationally significant populations of 20 species of shorebird.

The estuary, which is located on Korea’s west coast in the Seocheon County, hosts hundreds of thousands of migratory and resident shorebirds. It is a vital part of the East Asian–Australian Flyway (EAAF), as the place where birds can find rest and nutrition during their 10,000km journey.

There are many solutions for long-term conservation of the site, from international recognition to working with local communities for conservation.

Supporting birds by saving the estuary

The estuary plays an important role in supporting threatened species. It is far more valuable in that capacity than it would be for commercial development.

International recognition for the Geum Estuary

There are two Key Biodiversity Areas in the estuary, as well as RAMSAR-listed wetlands and an EAAF Flyway Network site. Classifications like these indicate how internationally significant the area is, and how important it is to conserve the animals and ecosystems they sustain.

Encouraging world-class eco-tourism to Seocheon county

The local cuisine of Seocheon County is distinct, boasting the finest rice wine in Korea and excellent seafood, amid a rural village lifestyle. These attractions position the Geum Estuary as a pristine spot for world-class eco-tourism.

Bolstering eco-tourism not only increases interest and and support for these birds and their habitat, but also brings in income locally and encourages communities in the region to sustainably protect the estuary.