Suncheon Bay: A Triumph for Environmental Stewardship and Migratory Bird Conservation

Nestled in the heart of Haeryong-myeon, Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do, the scenic 92m high hill on the 1st of January provides a breathtaking panorama of Suncheon Bay. The awe of around 10 tourists is palpable as they gaze down from two Yongsan observatories onto the vast expanse below, where approximately 400 cranes gracefully take flight over 2,800 ha of pristine mudflats and reed fields.

The Suncheon Bay Eco-Friendly Project

In 2006, Suncheon City, in collaboration with its citizens, embarked on an ambitious eco-friendly project when Suncheon Bay earned recognition in the Ramsar Convention—an international treaty for wetland protection. Over the years, the project has yielded remarkable results, with the number of whooping cranes doubling in just four years.

Preserving Biodiversity Through Strategic Initiatives

To safeguard the ecosystem, preventive measures were implemented against diseases like poultry cholera, and visitor access was restricted. Suncheon Bay's 773ha mudflats were designated as an ecosystem conservation area, and a duck breeding farm and six restaurants were relocated. The transformation of 30ha of dry land into the 'Dumbeong' waterhole in 2008 aimed to create a conducive habitat for cranes.

A Symphony of Conservation Efforts

The removal of 222 electric poles within seven months and the installation of a 350m-long reed-based light barrier solidified efforts to make the crane habitat safer. The Heukduri Farming Group, consisting of about 40 farmers, played a crucial role. They planted black rice, creating a captivating image of a black crane, and left rice straw in the fields as nesting material for migratory birds.

Suncheon Bay: A Paradise for Migratory Birds

The results speak volumes as Suncheon Bay now hosts 440 black-crowned cranes, 11 white-naped cranes, and five Black-necked Cranes. Additionally, 16 species of endangered birds, including the yellow-billed spoonbill and black-faced spoonbill, find refuge in Suncheon Bay during the winter. The total number of birds of 85 species exceeds 10,800, turning the area into a migratory bird paradise.

Economic and Ecological Prosperity

Suncheon Bay's success as a habitat for black-crowned cranes has not only attracted bird enthusiasts but has also boosted tourism. Visitor numbers surged from 350,000 in 2006 to an impressive 2.33 million in 2009. As the city aspires to make Suncheon Bay the world's premier crane habitat, it signifies not just ecological success but economic prosperity for the region.

A Glimpse into the Future

Kim Jin-han, responsible for bird research at the National Institute of Biological Resources, foresees a bright future for Suncheon Bay. He predicts that the current 440 black cranes will attract more individuals, making Suncheon Bay the world's best wintering habitat within five years.

In the words of Suncheon City's migratory bird manager, Kim In-cheol, "Suncheon has the foundation of an ecological capital with clean nature and various cultural assets."

[FAQ] Q1: How has Suncheon Bay's eco-friendly project impacted bird populations? A1: The project doubled the number of whooping cranes within four years, turning Suncheon Bay into a thriving habitat for various bird species.

Q2: What initiatives were taken to protect cranes in Suncheon Bay? A2: The removal of electric poles, installation of a reed-based light barrier, and the creation of the 'Dumbeong' waterhole contributed to a safer habitat for cranes.

Q3: How has tourism in Suncheon Bay evolved since the eco-friendly project's initiation? A3: Visitor numbers increased from 350,000 in 2006 to 2.33 million in 2009, showcasing the success of the project in attracting tourists.

Q4: What is the predicted future for Suncheon Bay as a crane habitat? A4: Suncheon Bay is anticipated to become the world's best wintering habitat for cranes within five years, drawing global recognition.

Q5: How did the Heukduri Farming Group contribute to bird conservation? A5: The group played a vital role by planting black rice, creating artwork resembling a black crane, and leaving rice straw in fields as nesting material for migratory birds.

Q6: What cultural assets make Suncheon an ecological capital? A6: According to Kim In-cheol, Suncheon boasts clean nature and diverse cultural assets, forming the foundation of an ecological capital.

#SuncheonBaySuccess, #MigratoryBirdConservation, #EcoFriendlyProject, #BirdParadise, #NaturePreservation

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