A study on the inter-Korean cooperation for establishing the oriental stork ecology network

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore avenues for inter-Korean cooperation to establish an ecological network for Oriental Storks on the Korean Peninsula. There were no more Oriental Storks in ROK in about 25 years ago. However the reintroduction of Oriental Storks has been successful. Their release back into the wild is now at the experimental stage. In the DPRK, Oriental Storks are a rare bird. Subsequentely, the DPRK has also recognized the need for their protection and is focusing upon the protection of the wetlands along its western coast. Taking these individual efforts by the ROK and the DPRK as a common task to establish an ecological network for Oriental Storks on the Korean Peninsula, this study proposes a plan for cooperation in three stages such as EXPERT EXCHANGE AND BASIC RESEARCH, HABITAT RESTORATION AND DATA SHARING, and THE REINTRODUCTION OF THE SPECIES ON THE KOREAN PENINSULA. To achieve this, the Korean government, local governments and private organizations will need to provide legal, political, and economic support to promote exchange, cooperation and active human interactions with experts. [Key Words] Oriental Stork Reintroduction, Oriental Stork Ecological Network, Inter-Korean Cooperation