Opening the door of world cooperation for sustainable future
Suncheon -si, Jeollanam -do, officially promoted the World Natural Conservation Federation (IUCN), laying the international foundation to leap beyond Korea to the world’s ecological capital.
At the top of March, town submitted an application for membership to the IUCN headquarters, and whether it is approved, town will take part in the General Assembly in Abu Dhabi, Arab Emirates in October.
IUCN is the world’s largest natural conservation network established in 1948, with greater than 1,400 member organizations, including governments, NGOs, and academic institutions in 160 countries, and cooperate with the United Nations and various international organizations to guide global environmental policies and biodiversity preservation strategies.
Sooncheon City’s joining is a declaration for sustainable ecological civilizations that harmonize nature, cities, people and policies, beyond just international joining.
the three strategic values ​​that Suncheon gains, the primary ‘international ecological leadership’ is secured. IUCN’s status is a qualification for speaking and participating in the worldwide ecological issues.
Suncheon City can take the lead within the International Nature Conservation General Assembly, Ecological Policy Cooperation Forum, and Environmental Projects.
Second, it’s ‘supporting ecological projects and expanding international cooperation’. Under IUCN, various climate, wetlands, forests, and concrete ecological projects and technical support programs are operated.
The applying of natural-based solutions (NBS) in reference to Suncheon Bay National Garden and Suncheon Bay Wetlands will be realized.
Third, it is a rise in international confidence in urban brands. If the identity of “Ecological City Suncheon” is recognized through a global network, sustainable urban brand value equivalent to tourism, environmental education, international conference, and environmental products will increase. This lays the inspiration for urban diplomacy and exchange, which is deeper than short -term tourists.
IUCN joins not only diplomatic achievements, but requires meetings of international standards for civil culture and administrative system of all the city.
To this end, Suncheon City should establish a biodiversity management system that meets the IUCN standards and to expand ecological infrastructure throughout town and strengthen the specialization and ecological diplomatic capability of the international cooperation department.
Suncheon City has established itself as a representative eco -city of Korea based on the very best ecological assets in Korea equivalent to Suncheon Bay National Garden and Suncheon Bay Wetland. Now, with the joining of IUCN, we are going to expand our responsibilities and roles as a part of international ecological governance, and have the chance to point out the world of sustainable cities to the world.
By Yang Joon -seok, reporter kailas21@aitimes.com
