April 21st. 2006 marked the end of the battle to save the 40,100 ha Saemangeum wetland in South Korea. The 33km long sea wall was closed and the most important shorebird site in the Yellow Sea for migratory birds transiting to breeding grounds in Siberia and Alaska was condemned to dry out in the pursuit of economic expansionism. Over 20,000 fishermen and women also lost their livelihood and a way of life that was centuries old.

The South Korean government did not undertake any environmental impact studies or consult with the countries whose migratory bird populations would be devastated by the massive project designed to expand Korea's industrial output as well as recreational opportunities such as country clubs and golf courses.

Each year I would join a dedicated international group of researchers who were monitoring the effects on the migratory birds, the losses are frightening, already there is a 20% decline despite the assurance by the Korean government that the birds will simply go elsewhere. In 2008 I travelled along the Korean coast with the monitoring team as they searched other sites, the birds weren't there. The researchers were great to travel with and the warmth of the people in the fishing villages gave some respite from the bleakness of the Saemangeum's pain.

These photographs taken over four years 2005-2008 track the decline of the Saemangeum as it transforms from a rich food source for animals and humans into a desert that will eventually support predominantly industrial estates. In 2008 most of the tidal flats looked bare or covered in planted vegetation and dumped garbage.

I was saddened by such disregard for the other creatures that share the planet. The migratory birds are incapable of going to another restaurant when their traditional one was closed, unlike humans they can't make that adjustment. It's also difficult after you've flown for nine days non-stop to get there!

For a wealth of detailed information about the Saemangeum visit the Birds Korea web. site http://www.birdskorea.org

Acknowledgements: This project could not have been completed without the invaluable assistance of Nial Moores and Birds Korea, all members of the monitoring teams and the hospitable and wonderful people of the fishing villages of the Saemangeum.

 

Charles J. Page

Please browse through the portfolio and if you would like to support the struggle to save the Saemangeum please click the purchase images icon.

© charles john page 2009