Welcoming Yeoncheon Imjin River (EAAF156) as Republic of Korea’s 19th Flyway Network Site

Welcoming Yeoncheon Imjin River (EAAF156) as Republic of Korea’s 19th Flyway Network Site

The EAAFP proudly announces the addition of the Yeoncheon Imjin River in Gyeonggi Province, Republic of Korea, as the country’s 19th Flyway Network Site. This designation, effective as of 11 October 2024, recognises the site’s exceptional international significance in conserving migratory waterbirds.

The Imjin River area is an exemplary case of conservation excellence, distinguished by its unique topography and minimal human interference due to nearby military facilities that allowed the river to remain largely undisturbed. The upper course of the river, which originates from the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) area, holds immense ecological value, benefiting from dual protections as both a military reservation and a water source protection area.

Yeoncheon Imjin River Columnar Joint © Yeoncheon County

One of the Flyway Network Sites (FNS) within the DMZ, this new FNS is situated entirely within the Yeoncheon Imjin River Biosphere Reserve. Part of the site is recognised as the “National Monument Yeoncheon Imjin River Cranes Habitat,” thereby elevating its significant international conservation value.

This designation also highlights the site’s crucial role in the conservation of endangered Scaly-sided Mergansers (Mergus squamatus), vulnerable Red-crowned Cranes (Grus japonensis), and vulnerable White-naped Cranes (Grus vipio). Moreover, the site supports a diverse range of wildlife, including Korean endemic fish species like Khanka spiny bitterling (Acheilognathus gracilis) and Tanakia signifier, alongside mammals such as water deer, otters, and leopard cats.

Scaly-sided Mergansers (Mergus squamatus, EN) © Seungkwang Baek

Beyond its ecological importance, the reserve boasts rich historical and archaeological value, with several sections of the river identified as important geosites. The reserve’s core area features forests and zones designated for the protection of cultural heritage ‘Yeoncheon Imjin River Biosphere Reserve’ by UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) in 2019.

Red-crowned Cranes (Grus japonensis, VU) and White-naped Cranes (Grus vipio, VU) © Yeoncheon County

Yeoncheon County has actively contributed to conservation in the Imjin River area, publishing the Imjin River Biosphere Reserve Management Plan for 2020-2030. In alignment with the plan’s three primary functions—conservation, development, and logistic support—the County has conducted regular biodiversity monitoring since 2021 and implemented various projects including the Crane Protection Ordinance which enables increased protection of cranes and their nesting grounds. Additionally, the County collaborates with specialists and institutions, both domestically and internationally, to conduct knowledge sharing workshops.

On-the-ground conservation activities have also been bolstered by local NGOs since late 2021. These initiatives include reports, public presentations, and educational events, such as the “Yeoncheon Imjin River Biosphere Reserve Bioblitz Programme,” which involved ten educational days in 2023 for local residents, organised by Birds Korea Yeoncheon and supported by the UNESCO MAB National Committee of the Republic of Korea. Exhibitions focusing on the biosphere reserve, its ecosystem and birds have been held at the DMZ Baekhak Culture Village to raise public awareness. Furthermore, the biosphere reserve manager conducts ongoing education programmes and events for local communities and guides.

The designation of Yeoncheon Imjin River as an FNS underscores its global importance in the conservation of migratory waterbirds and further reinforces its role in broader environmental and cultural heritage preservation efforts.

Korean: https://www.yeoncheon.go.kr/mab/contents.do?key=5151

English: https://www.yeoncheon.go.kr/mab-eng/contents.do?key=5153

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