Yeongjongdo Mudflat and its migratory birds, an ecosystem we should preserve together

– Corporates, government, environmental organizations join forces for the conservation of Yeongjongdo Mudflat, Republic of Korea, and its migratory waterbirds –

Green United Incheon

A food provider for over 20,000 migratory shorebirds including Far Eastern Curlews and Sandpipers, habitat for crabs; a workplace for fishermen who make their living by hunting octopuses and clams; an educational arena where you can learn the values of mudflat ecosystem – that is Yeongjongdo Mudflat.

DSC_5752

Yeongjongdo mudflat ©Green United Incheon

The troubled history of Yeongjongdo Mudflat

Yeongjongdo Mudflat has gone through a lot. Parts of it have been reclaimed for Incheon International Airport, new towns and dredge soil dumpsites with further plans for reclamation. Damages done to the mudflat led to a sharp population decline of a sentinel crab species (Macrophthalmus japonicas). Decreasing crabs’ population can degrade the mudflats self-purification system and can also put at risk the lives of threatened waterbird species feeding on those crabs.

The return of the Crab

An imminent threat to the mudflat and the migratory waterbirds was illegal fishing boats and gears. Efforts have been made by Green United Incheon and Incheon Bridge Corporation to tackle the situation since November 2014. They finally made the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries seize illegal boats and gears back in April through May 2015. The mudflat ecosystem has been recovering since. Still, to prevent further damages to the mudflats, more citizens need to be aware of the situation. Even Incheon citizens living in areas along the coast line do not get to learn about the mudflat not to mention the fact that it is home to many globally threatened species. It’s like if you know it, you can see it. If you see it, you can finally feel it and want to protect it. This is how we planned the event “Yeongjongdo Mudflat Migratory Bird Day 2016.”

DSC_6103

Opening of the Yeongjongdo Mudflat Migratory Bird Day 2016 ©Green United Incheon

Yeongjongdo Mudflat and migratory waterbirds in our hearts

Yeongjongdo Mudflat Migratory Bird Day 2016, which took place at Incheon Bridge Museum and the Yeongjongdo Mudflat area on June 4, featured educational programmes such as mudflat species exploration, birdwatching, and an essay contest. It also hosted a photo exhibition of mudflats and migratory waterbirds. The festival booths also offered a variety of hands-on experience. Hosted by Green United Incheon and Incheon Bridge Corporation, the event was supported by Incheon City Government and the local government agencies, EAAFP and University Student’s Association of Wild Bird Society of Korea. It was a joint effort by the local governments, private sector and environmental NGOs.

DSC_5814

Photo exhibition at the Yeongjongdo Mudflat Migratory Bird Day 2016 ©Green United Incheon

What can we do for the migratory waterbirds of Yeongjongdo?

There are a lot of things to be done for the mudflat and migratory waterbirds in Yeongjongdo such as ecological monitoring, birdwatching , conservation campaign focusing on Far Eastern Curlews, training programmes to cultivate mudflat tour guides, negotiating with relevant organizations to come up with conservation strategies, and finally establishing an entity to represent these efforts to be made. “Migratory birds have shared with us for thousands of years, and without them there is no future for us,” said Jinhan Kim.

It is difficult to have a tangible sense that your life is directly relevant to the lives of Far Eastern Curlews and the crab Macrophthalmus japonicas. It is important, though, to realize that when the world is hostile for birds’ survival, it would not be easy for us humans either. Our actions for the peace in all lives on earth shall continue.

DSC_5469

A booth activity at the Yeongjongdo Mudflat Migratory Bird Day 2016 ©Green United Incheon

Relevant Links:

  • Visit our Flickr for more photographs of the Yeongjongdo Mudflat Migratory Bird Day 2016.

Comments are closed.