Overview
- The International Union for Conservation of Nature recommended inscription of "Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats Phase II," which nominates four new tidal-flat areas: Seosan, Goheung, Muan and Yeosu.
- The World Heritage Committee will make the final decision at its 48th session in Busan in July.
- If approved, the serial World Natural Heritage site would be regrouped into six component areas and expand its boundary across South Korea's southern and western coastal wetlands.
- Korea Heritage Service said it will implement the IUCN's technical recommendations and work with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, local governments and communities to strengthen site management.
- The IUCN cited the sites' role as critical habitat for migratory and endangered species, and it asked for more analysis of other getbol regions while warning that stricter protections may raise local concerns over development limits.