UNESCO Expands Korean Tidal Flats Listing at Busan Session

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee expanded the listing of South Korea's tidal flats during a session held in Busan ^[1].

This expansion recognizes the outstanding ecological value of the coastal regions and reinforces South Korea's role in global environmental conservation. The event also marked the first time the committee convened in the country, bringing together officials from Korea, Japan, China, and Mongolia [1, 2].

The committee met at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center, known as BEXCO ^[3]. According to the official record, the 48th session of the committee took place from July 19 to July 29, 2023 ^[3]. During this period, the committee reviewed and approved nominations that met strict UNESCO criteria for natural and cultural significance ^[1].

A total of 25 cultural and natural sites from various countries were inscribed as new World Heritage sites ^[1]. These additions included the Asuka Fujiwara ruins from Japan, the Jingde ceramic site from China, and the Xiongnu tombs from Mongolia ^[1].

Kobayashi Shigeki, Japan's Deputy Minister for the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, said, "The total number of world heritage sites newly registered through the Busan World Heritage Committee is 25 ^[1]."

The Korean tidal flats were re-inscribed with expanded boundaries to better meet the natural-heritage criteria ^[1]. This process ensures that the ecological systems, and biodiversity of the flats are protected under international standards. The session concluded with a focus on the shared cultural and natural history of the East Asian region ^[2].