Open Forum on 'Geumgang Estuary Seawater Circulation'... Seocheon Sustainability Association Holds Public Debate

[Financial News Seocheon=Kim Wonjun Reporter] A forum is being prepared to reopen the flow of the river blocked by the Geumgang Estuary Dam.
 The Seocheon Sustainable Development Council announced on the 27th that it will hold a debate titled 'The Geumgang Must Flow - Sustainable Policy Proposals for the Closed Geumgang Estuary' at the small theater of Seocheon Culture and Arts Center on the 12th of next month.
 This debate aims to explore practical and sustainable measures for the restoration of the Geumgang Estuary ecosystem and the revitalization of the stagnant local economy.
 The Geumgang Estuary Dam, completed in 1991, has focused on securing water resources and flood control, resulting in the disconnection between the river and the sea and causing serious ecological disruptions. Seocheon County claims to have endured the ecological and economic damages for over 30 years. Particularly, the accumulation of sediment outside the estuary dam has narrowed the channel width of Janghang Port, making it difficult for ships over 10,000 tons to enter and exit, rapidly degrading port functions.
 The rapid decline in fishery resources is also at a critical level. According to the Seocheon Sustainable Development Council, the reduction of migratory fish species such as eel, mitten crab, and ayu is at an extinction level, with the total damage to bare-handed fishing, inland water fishing, and seaweed farming in the Seocheon waters amounting to 612.2 billion won.
 The hosting of this debate reflects the urgent voices of the region that can no longer ignore this reality, according to the organizers.
 Kim Giwoong, the governor of Seocheon County, said, “We have been continuously communicating with Gunsan City for the restoration of the ecosystem and regional coexistence through the circulation of seawater in the Geumgang Estuary,” adding, “The participation of Gunsan City civic groups in this debate is very encouraging.” He continued, “Improving water quality and seawater circulation is not just an environmental issue but a critical task for Seocheon's survival and the last opportunity to revive the stagnant local economy.”
 Governor Kim emphasized, “Now, responsible national-level responses, bipartisan cooperation, and substantial administrative and financial support must be provided,” adding, “It is crucial that policies for seawater circulation and ecological restoration become concrete national agendas and are connected to effective systems and projects.”
 In this debate, Dr. Yoon Jongju of the Chungnam Institute will present 'Ecological Restoration of the Geumgang Estuary and Sustainable Regional Coexistence Development Direction,' and Dr. Park Jinsun of the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology will present 'Renewable Energy Acquisition Plan Utilizing Seawater Circulation.' Following this, Heo Jaeyoung, Senior Advisor of the National Estuary Ecological Restoration National Conference, Yoo Jaeyoung, Deputy Governor of Seocheon County, Nam Daejin, Co-representative of the Gunsan Environmental Movement Union, Kim Jongju, Chairman of the Jeonbuk Fisheries Industry Association, and Yoo Jinsu, Secretary General of the Geumgang Watershed Environmental Conference, will participate as panelists to discuss ecological restoration of the Geumgang Estuary and social consensus plans for seawater circulation.
 The Seocheon Sustainable Development Council plans to actively pursue the establishment of an institutional foundation through the formation of the Geumgang Joint Investigation Committee and the enactment of special laws on coastal and estuary restoration and management. In particular, they aim to persuade the central government and the National Assembly, focusing on Chungnam and Jeonbuk, to create a precedent for the conservation of the national coastal ecosystem.
 Hong Seongmin, Secretary General of the Seocheon Sustainable Development Council, said, “As this debate is led by a private governance organization, it is a meaningful opportunity to reflect various regional opinions,” adding, “We hope this debate will serve as a starting point for creating a turning point for ecological restoration and regional coexistence.”
kwj5797@fnnews.com Kim Wonjun Reporter