Subject: [cwj 13] Stop Reclamation Project Now!! Korea-Japan Saemankeum Declaration 2000
From: Corporate Watch in Japanese <cwj@corpwatch.org>
Date: Wed, 10 May 2000 11:38:45 -0700
Seq: 13
Stop Reclamation Project Now!!
Korea - Japan Saemankeum Declaration 2000
8 May 2000
1. Korea's Saemankeum reclamation project is the largest and most
destructive on-going tidal flat reclamation project in the world.
2. We take particular note of recent documentation of survey results that
clarifies the fact that the tidal flats of the Saemankeum region are
among the most valuable tidal flat ecosystems in the world.
3. Tidal flats and coastal ecosystems have astounding value, both
culturally and biologically. Moreover, they form the basis for the
productivity and integrity of marine ecosystems. For example, tidal
flats are the main habitats for the birds, 60% of marine fish species lay
their eggs here, and 90% of fishery activities depend on tidal flats,
directly and/or indirectly.
4. The tidal flats and marine ecosystems of Korea and Japan share the
same species of fish, waterbirds, and benthic organisms, and the two
regions have many similarities, both ecologically and culturally.
5. In light of the international importance of this region,
Non-Governmental Organisations in Korea and Japan have been working
together for the conservation of wetlands in both counties. Korea-Japan
Joint Tidal Flat Survey carried out from 1 to 6 May in tidal flats of
Saemankeum Reclamation Project Area is one of such joint action.
6. In these years, the once large-scale tidal flats of both countries
have been destroyed through reclamation projects, which have thereby led
to the destruction of local communities and fisheries, and habitat
conditions for migratory birds. In Korea's Sihwa Lake, there was no
other way but to open the sleuce gate due to severe water pollution. The
same disastrous water pollution has already generated in Japan's Isahaya
Bay.
7. However, Korea and Japan already have important experience for the
conservation of tidal flats. Cancellation of the fourth-stage of
Youngsan River Reclamation Project, establishment of the Wetland
Conservation Law in korea, and the decision to conserve Fujimae Tidal
Flat in Japan is some of the example.
8. Moreover, at the seventh Conference of the Parties to the Convention
held in Costa Rica in 1999, the "Resolution on Conservation of Intertidal
Wetlands" was adopted. Thus, an international convention officially
urges the parties for the conservation of tidal flats. Especially, the
draft resolution was prepared its wording by non-Government Organisations
in Korea and Japan, and was proposed by the Korean Government as well as
Philippine Government. Thus, the Korean Government has the responsibility
of its implementation.
9. The reclamation project of Saemankeum tidal flats going on now, at
this moment, should be cancelled at once. The sleuce gate of Isahaya Bay
in Japan should be opened without delay. Korean Federation for
Environment Movement and Japan Wetlands Action Network will never give up
our joint co-operation and support to save the tidal flats of
internationally importance in Korea and Japan.
Signed:
CHOI Yul: Korean Wetlands Alliance (KFEM)
Yamashita Hirofumi: Japan Wetlands Action Network (JAWAN)
---------------------------------------------------------------
KASHIWAGI Minoru
Tokyo Office, Japan Wetlands Action Network (JAWAN)
Address: 3-18-1 #105, Higashi-Toyoda, Hino-shi,
Tokyo 191-0052, JAPAN
Tel/Fax: +81-42-583-6365
E-mail: minoru_kash@nifty.com (please note changed address)
---------------------------------------------------------------
______________________
The Corporate Watch in Japanese http://www.corpwatch.org/japan (CWJ)
mailing list is a moderated email list in English designed to connect
activists campaigning against Japanese corporations and investments around
the world.
*
To unsubscribe from the CWJ mailing list, send an email to
majordomo@jca.apc.org with text "unsubscribe cwj". To subscribe to the CWJ
mailing list, send a message to majordomo@jca.apc.org with the text
"subscribe cwj"
*
The CWJ mailing list is NOT intended for wide distribution. If you would
like to post messages from this list somewhere else, we ask that you first
contact us at cwj@corpwatch.org
______________________