It is often said that the Korean Peninsula is the world's last Cold War frontier divided into the capitalist South and the communist North. The nation fought the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. Before the fratricidal conflict, the peninsula was divided at the 38th Parallel. A similar demarcation was drawn at the end of the war and both sides set up the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) along the newly-established border. The DMZ, 248 kilometers long and 4 kilometers wide, has long been a forbidden area, serving as the buffer zone between the two rivals. Needless to say, the DMZ was and is the symbol of war, division, confrontation and national tragedy. But it has recently begun to be recognized as a treasure for its pristine ecosystem of flora and fauna, which has been untouched by human hands for almost six decades. As a result, policymakers, scholars, ecologists and environmental activists are increasingly showing their interest in the preservation of the DMZ and its utilization to promote peace not only in Korea but also around the world. Against this backdrop, the Seoul government on Wednesday announced long-term basic plans to turn the DMZ into an ecological peace belt. It decided to have the DMZ designated as a biosphere zone by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The decision is aimed at better preserving the area which boasts a variety of rare species as well as contains historic and cultural heritages. The plans also include the creation of a U.N. peace conference hall and a U.N. peace university as part of efforts to heal the wounds of war and overcome Cold War conflicts between the two Koreas. Furthermore, the government is seeking to build a bridge connecting the South's Incheon International Airport to the North's border town of Gaeseong, where the inter-Korean industrial complex is located. In addition, the government is considering creating a joint tourism site by linking Mt. Seorak in the South and Mt. Geumgang in the North. It also plans to build a green technology valley for new materials and renewable energy sources as part of the nation's low-carbon growth strategy. Those plans will no doubt provide great opportunities for the nation to advocate peace, lessen ideological confrontations, promote reconciliation and co-prosperity on the peninsula, and preserve the DMZ ecology. In the business side, such plans are expected to bring great potential to the nation in terms of ecotourism and clean technology. But the government should conduct sufficient field studies on the ecosystem of the DMZ and make thorough preparations to smoothly push for the projects. First, the South is required to work together with the North to ensure the success of the plans. It goes without saying that such projects cannot be implemented without cooperation from Pyongyang. The unilateral announcement of the plans is as good as a pipe dream at a time when the two Koreas have yet to improve their ties amid the North's nuclear standoff and hostility toward the South. Second, the government should address concerns about an adverse ecological impact of its development programs on the DMZ. No one wants the well-preserved DMZ to be destroyed by the projects. Therefore, the most pertinent thing centers on how to develop the DMZ into an ecological peace zone without leaving human footprints. It is easier said than done.
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From Symbol of War to Ecological Peace Belt It is often said that the Korean Peninsula is the world's last Cold War frontier divided into the capitalist South and the communist North. The nation fought the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. Before the fratricidal conflict, the peninsula was divided at the 38th Parallel. A similar demarcation was drawn at the end of the war and both sides set up the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) along the newly-established border. The DMZ, 248 kilometers long and 4 kilometers wide, has long been a forbidden area, serving as the buffer zone between the two rivals. Needless to say, the DMZ was and is the symbol of war, division, confrontation and national tragedy. But it has recently begun to be recognized as a treasure for its pristine ecosystem of flora and fauna, which has been untouched by human hands for almost six decades. As a result, policymakers, scholars, ecologists and environmental activists are increasingly showing their interest in the preservation of the DMZ and its utilization to promote peace not only in Korea but also around the world. Against this backdrop, the Seoul government on Wednesday announced long-term basic plans to turn the DMZ into an ecological peace belt. It decided to have the DMZ designated as a biosphere zone by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The decision is aimed at better preserving the area which boasts a variety of rare species as well as contains historic and cultural heritages. The plans also include the creation of a U.N. peace conference hall and a U.N. peace university as part of efforts to heal the wounds of war and overcome Cold War conflicts between the two Koreas. Furthermore, the government is seeking to build a bridge connecting the South's Incheon International Airport to the North's border town of Gaeseong, where the inter-Korean industrial complex is located. In addition, the government is considering creating a joint tourism site by linking Mt. Seorak in the South and Mt. Geumgang in the North. It also plans to build a green technology valley for new materials and renewable energy sources as part of the nation's low-carbon growth strategy. Those plans will no doubt provide great opportunities for the nation to advocate peace, lessen ideological confrontations, promote reconciliation and co-prosperity on the peninsula, and preserve the DMZ ecology. In the business side, such plans are expected to bring great potential to the nation in terms of ecotourism and clean technology. But the government should conduct sufficient field studies on the ecosystem of the DMZ and make thorough preparations to smoothly push for the projects. First, the South is required to work together with the North to ensure the success of the plans. It goes without saying that such projects cannot be implemented without cooperation from Pyongyang. The unilateral announcement of the plans is as good as a pipe dream at a time when the two Koreas have yet to improve their ties amid the North's nuclear standoff and hostility toward the South. Second, the government should address concerns about an adverse ecological impact of its development programs on the DMZ. No one wants the well-preserved DMZ to be destroyed by the projects. Therefore, the most pertinent thing centers on how to develop the DMZ into an ecological peace zone without leaving human footprints. It is easier said than done.
Reader's Comments �–� Other View Notice From KT Website Manager Bad language will not be tolerated. All comments considered discriminatory against race or sex, or which are considered offensive against certain people, will be eliminated by the manager. Violators will be deprived of their membership. Please stay on topic. �–� Managerial regulations You must log in to use this service. �—� Back �–�Top • Lee at Cheong Wa Dae (한글번�—�) • Ayumi Debuts in Japan (한글번�—�) • Ex-Miss Argentina Dies (한글번�—�) • Ha Ji-won Wins 1st Best Actress Award (한글번�—�) • Man Runs Into Sea (한글번�—�) • Clinton's Daughter Engaged to Banker (한글번�—�) • Child Sex Offender (한글번�—�) • 'Twitter' Chosen Top English Word of Year • Hilton Praises 'Ninja Assassin' (한글번�—�) • Selection of Highschooler for Glamour Model Causes Stir (한글번�—�) Hwang Ju-myung, third from right, managing partner ... Switzerland Forbids New Minarets Zombie Shoppers +Login +Register +Find Id / Pw Home l Archives l Learning Times | Sitemap | Subscription l Media Kit l PDF Home > Newszone > Opinion > Editorial > Wednesday, December 2, 2009 | 8:42 p.m. ET Nation Biz/Finance Technology Arts & Living Sports Opinion Editorial Thoughts of the Times Today`s Column Desk Column Letter to the Editor The Dawn of Modern Korea Another Korea What`s Your Take? Letter from America Random Walk Sean Hayes Michael Breen Views From Overseas Jon Huer Tom Plate Living Science Pacific Perspective Guest Column Times Forum Readers` Forum Cartoon Great and Simple Things Back Home Ideas & Ideals Jim Hoagland Choi Yearn-hong Today in History Reporter's Notebook Washington Lounge Hyon O'Brien Community Special The Learning Times Editorial Listening Phone English Dear Abby Domestic News Foreign News Screen English Live English in Drama Discovery Education Ancient Idiom iBT Writing English Writing I English Writing II English Grammar Grasping Vocab iBT Vocab Korean Language Junior Writing Junior Reading Junior Reporter 12-02-2009 18:41 DMZ Development Plans
From Symbol of War to Ecological Peace Belt It is often said that the Korean Peninsula is the world's last Cold War frontier divided into the capitalist South and the communist North. The nation fought the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. Before the fratricidal conflict, the peninsula was divided at the 38th Parallel. A similar demarcation was drawn at the end of the war and both sides set up the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) along the newly-established border. The DMZ, 248 kilometers long and 4 kilometers wide, has long been a forbidden area, serving as the buffer zone between the two rivals. Needless to say, the DMZ was and is the symbol of war, division, confrontation and national tragedy. But it has recently begun to be recognized as a treasure for its pristine ecosystem of flora and fauna, which has been untouched by human hands for almost six decades. As a result, policymakers, scholars, ecologists and environmental activists are increasingly showing their interest in the preservation of the DMZ and its utilization to promote peace not only in Korea but also around the world. Against this backdrop, the Seoul government on Wednesday announced long-term basic plans to turn the DMZ into an ecological peace belt. It decided to have the DMZ designated as a biosphere zone by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The decision is aimed at better preserving the area which boasts a variety of rare species as well as contains historic and cultural heritages. The plans also include the creation of a U.N. peace conference hall and a U.N. peace university as part of efforts to heal the wounds of war and overcome Cold War conflicts between the two Koreas. Furthermore, the government is seeking to build a bridge connecting the South's Incheon International Airport to the North's border town of Gaeseong, where the inter-Korean industrial complex is located. In addition, the government is considering creating a joint tourism site by linking Mt. Seorak in the South and Mt. Geumgang in the North. It also plans to build a green technology valley for new materials and renewable energy sources as part of the nation's low-carbon growth strategy. Those plans will no doubt provide great opportunities for the nation to advocate peace, lessen ideological confrontations, promote reconciliation and co-prosperity on the peninsula, and preserve the DMZ ecology. In the business side, such plans are expected to bring great potential to the nation in terms of ecotourism and clean technology. But the government should conduct sufficient field studies on the ecosystem of the DMZ and make thorough preparations to smoothly push for the projects. First, the South is required to work together with the North to ensure the success of the plans. It goes without saying that such projects cannot be implemented without cooperation from Pyongyang. The unilateral announcement of the plans is as good as a pipe dream at a time when the two Koreas have yet to improve their ties amid the North's nuclear standoff and hostility toward the South. Second, the government should address concerns about an adverse ecological impact of its development programs on the DMZ. No one wants the well-preserved DMZ to be destroyed by the projects. Therefore, the most pertinent thing centers on how to develop the DMZ into an ecological peace zone without leaving human footprints. It is easier said than done.
Reader's Comments �–� Other View Notice From KT Website Manager Bad language will not be tolerated. All comments considered discriminatory against race or sex, or which are considered offensive against certain people, will be eliminated by the manager. Violators will be deprived of their membership. Please stay on topic. �–� Managerial regulations You must log in to use this service. �—� Back �–�Top • Lee at Cheong Wa Dae (한글번�—�) • Ayumi Debuts in Japan (한글번�—�) • Ex-Miss Argentina Dies (한글번�—�) • Ha Ji-won Wins 1st Best Actress Award (한글번�—�) • Man Runs Into Sea (한글번�—�) • Clinton's Daughter Engaged to Banker (한글번�—�) • Child Sex Offender (한글번�—�) • 'Twitter' Chosen Top English Word of Year • Hilton Praises 'Ninja Assassin' (한글번�—�) • Selection of Highschooler for Glamour Model Causes Stir (한글번�—�) Hwang Ju-myung, third from right, managing partner ... Switzerland Forbids New Minarets Zombie Shoppers +Login +Register +Find Id / Pw Home l Archives l Learning Times | Sitemap | Subscription l Media Kit l PDF Home > Newszone > Opinion > Editorial > Wednesday, December 2, 2009 | 8:42 p.m. ET Nation Biz/Finance Technology Arts & Living Sports Opinion Editorial Thoughts of the Times Today`s Column Desk Column Letter to the Editor The Dawn of Modern Korea Another Korea What`s Your Take? Letter from America Random Walk Sean Hayes Michael Breen Views From Overseas Jon Huer Tom Plate Living Science Pacific Perspective Guest Column Times Forum Readers` Forum Cartoon Great and Simple Things Back Home Ideas & Ideals Jim Hoagland Choi Yearn-hong Today in History Reporter's Notebook Washington Lounge Hyon O'Brien Community Special The Learning Times Editorial Listening Phone English Dear Abby Domestic News Foreign News Screen English Live English in Drama Discovery Education Ancient Idiom iBT Writing English Writing I English Writing II English Grammar Grasping Vocab iBT Vocab Korean Language Junior Writing Junior Reading Junior Reporter 12-02-2009 18:41 DMZ Development Plans
From Symbol of War to Ecological Peace Belt It is often said that the Korean Peninsula is the world's last Cold War frontier divided into the capitalist South and the communist North. The nation fought the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. Before the fratricidal conflict, the peninsula was divided at the 38th Parallel. A similar demarcation was drawn at the end of the war and both sides set up the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) along the newly-established border. The DMZ, 248 kilometers long and 4 kilometers wide, has long been a forbidden area, serving as the buffer zone between the two rivals. Needless to say, the DMZ was and is the symbol of war, division, confrontation and national tragedy. But it has recently begun to be recognized as a treasure for its pristine ecosystem of flora and fauna, which has been untouched by human hands for almost six decades. As a result, policymakers, scholars, ecologists and environmental activists are increasingly showing their interest in the preservation of the DMZ and its utilization to promote peace not only in Korea but also around the world. Against this backdrop, the Seoul government on Wednesday announced long-term basic plans to turn the DMZ into an ecological peace belt. It decided to have the DMZ designated as a biosphere zone by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The decision is aimed at better preserving the area which boasts a variety of rare species as well as contains historic and cultural heritages. The plans also include the creation of a U.N. peace conference hall and a U.N. peace university as part of efforts to heal the wounds of war and overcome Cold War conflicts between the two Koreas. Furthermore, the government is seeking to build a bridge connecting the South's Incheon International Airport to the North's border town of Gaeseong, where the inter-Korean industrial complex is located. In addition, the government is considering creating a joint tourism site by linking Mt. Seorak in the South and Mt. Geumgang in the North. It also plans to build a green technology valley for new materials and renewable energy sources as part of the nation's low-carbon growth strategy. Those plans will no doubt provide great opportunities for the nation to advocate peace, lessen ideological confrontations, promote reconciliation and co-prosperity on the peninsula, and preserve the DMZ ecology. In the business side, such plans are expected to bring great potential to the nation in terms of ecotourism and clean technology. But the government should conduct sufficient field studies on the ecosystem of the DMZ and make thorough preparations to smoothly push for the projects. First, the South is required to work together with the North to ensure the success of the plans. It goes without saying that such projects cannot be implemented without cooperation from Pyongyang. The unilateral announcement of the plans is as good as a pipe dream at a time when the two Koreas have yet to improve their ties amid the North's nuclear standoff and hostility toward the South. Second, the government should address concerns about an adverse ecological impact of its development programs on the DMZ. No one wants the well-preserved DMZ to be destroyed by the projects. Therefore, the most pertinent thing centers on how to develop the DMZ into an ecological peace zone without leaving human footprints. It is easier said than done.
Reader's Comments �–� Other View Notice From KT Website Manager Bad language will not be tolerated. All comments considered discriminatory against race or sex, or which are considered offensive against certain people, will be eliminated by the manager. Violators will be deprived of their membership. Please stay on topic. �–� Managerial regulations You must log in to use this service. �—� Back �–�Top • Lee at Cheong Wa Dae (한글번�—�) • Ayumi Debuts in Japan (한글번�—�) • Ex-Miss Argentina Dies (한글번�—�) • Ha Ji-won Wins 1st Best Actress Award (한글번�—�) • Man Runs Into Sea (한글번�—�) • Clinton's Daughter Engaged to Banker (한글번�—�) • Child Sex Offender (한글번�—�) • 'Twitter' Chosen Top English Word of Year • Hilton Praises 'Ninja Assassin' (한글번�—�) • Selection of Highschooler for Glamour Model Causes Stir (한글번�—�) Hwang Ju-myung, third from right, managing partner ... Switzerland Forbids New Minarets Zombie Shoppers +Login +Register +Find Id / Pw Home l Archives l Learning Times | Sitemap | Subscription l Media Kit l PDF Home > Newszone > Opinion > Editorial > Wednesday, December 2, 2009 | 8:42 p.m. ET Nation Biz/Finance Technology Arts & Living Sports Opinion Editorial Thoughts of the Times Today`s Column Desk Column Letter to the Editor The Dawn of Modern Korea Another Korea What`s Your Take? Letter from America Random Walk Sean Hayes Michael Breen Views From Overseas Jon Huer Tom Plate Living Science Pacific Perspective Guest Column Times Forum Readers` Forum Cartoon Great and Simple Things Back Home Ideas & Ideals Jim Hoagland Choi Yearn-hong Today in History Reporter's Notebook Washington Lounge Hyon O'Brien Community Special The Learning Times Editorial Listening Phone English Dear Abby Domestic News Foreign News Screen English Live English in Drama Discovery Education Ancient Idiom iBT Writing English Writing I English Writing II English Grammar Grasping Vocab iBT Vocab Korean Language Junior Writing Junior Reading Junior Reporter 12-02-2009 18:41 DMZ Development Plans
From Symbol of War to Ecological Peace Belt It is often said that the Korean Peninsula is the world's last Cold War frontier divided into the capitalist South and the communist North. The nation fought the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. Before the fratricidal conflict, the peninsula was divided at the 38th Parallel. A similar demarcation was drawn at the end of the war and both sides set up the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) along the newly-established border. The DMZ, 248 kilometers long and 4 kilometers wide, has long been a forbidden area, serving as the buffer zone between the two rivals. Needless to say, the DMZ was and is the symbol of war, division, confrontation and national tragedy. But it has recently begun to be recognized as a treasure for its pristine ecosystem of flora and fauna, which has been untouched by human hands for almost six decades. As a result, policymakers, scholars, ecologists and environmental activists are increasingly showing their interest in the preservation of the DMZ and its utilization to promote peace not only in Korea but also around the world. Against this backdrop, the Seoul government on Wednesday announced long-term basic plans to turn the DMZ into an ecological peace belt. It decided to have the DMZ designated as a biosphere zone by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The decision is aimed at better preserving the area which boasts a variety of rare species as well as contains historic and cultural heritages. The plans also include the creation of a U.N. peace conference hall and a U.N. peace university as part of efforts to heal the wounds of war and overcome Cold War conflicts between the two Koreas. Furthermore, the government is seeking to build a bridge connecting the South's Incheon International Airport to the North's border town of Gaeseong, where the inter-Korean industrial complex is located. In addition, the government is considering creating a joint tourism site by linking Mt. Seorak in the South and Mt. Geumgang in the North. It also plans to build a green technology valley for new materials and renewable energy sources as part of the nation's low-carbon growth strategy. Those plans will no doubt provide great opportunities for the nation to advocate peace, lessen ideological confrontations, promote reconciliation and co-prosperity on the peninsula, and preserve the DMZ ecology. In the business side, such plans are expected to bring great potential to the nation in terms of ecotourism and clean technology. But the government should conduct sufficient field studies on the ecosystem of the DMZ and make thorough preparations to smoothly push for the projects. First, the South is required to work together with the North to ensure the success of the plans. It goes without saying that such projects cannot be implemented without cooperation from Pyongyang. The unilateral announcement of the plans is as good as a pipe dream at a time when the two Koreas have yet to improve their ties amid the North's nuclear standoff and hostility toward the South. Second, the government should address concerns about an adverse ecological impact of its development programs on the DMZ. No one wants the well-preserved DMZ to be destroyed by the projects. Therefore, the most pertinent thing centers on how to develop the DMZ into an ecological peace zone without leaving human footprints. It is easier said than done.
Reader's Comments �–� Other View Notice From KT Website Manager Bad language will not be tolerated. All comments considered discriminatory against race or sex, or which are considered offensive against certain people, will be eliminated by the manager. Violators will be deprived of their membership. Please stay on topic. �–� Managerial regulations You must log in to use this service. �—� Back �–�Top • Lee at Cheong Wa Dae (한글번�—�) • Ayumi Debuts in Japan (한글번�—�) • Ex-Miss Argentina Dies (한글번�—�) • Ha Ji-won Wins 1st Best Actress Award (한글번�—�) • Man Runs Into Sea (한글번�—�) • Clinton's Daughter Engaged to Banker (한글번�—�) • Child Sex Offender (한글번�—�) • 'Twitter' Chosen Top English Word of Year • Hilton Praises 'Ninja Assassin' (한글번�—�) • Selection of Highschooler for Glamour Model Causes Stir (한글번�—�) Hwang Ju-myung, third from right, managing partner ... Switzerland Forbids New Minarets Zombie Shoppers +Login +Register +Find Id / Pw Home l Archives l Learning Times | Sitemap | Subscription l Media Kit l PDF Home > Newszone > Opinion > Editorial > Wednesday, December 2, 2009 | 8:42 p.m. ET Nation Biz/Finance Technology Arts & Living Sports Opinion Editorial Thoughts of the Times Today`s Column Desk Column Letter to the Editor The Dawn of Modern Korea Another Korea What`s Your Take? Letter from America Random Walk Sean Hayes Michael Breen Views From Overseas Jon Huer Tom Plate Living Science Pacific Perspective Guest Column Times Forum Readers` Forum Cartoon Great and Simple Things Back Home Ideas & Ideals Jim Hoagland Choi Yearn-hong Today in History Reporter's Notebook Washington Lounge Hyon O'Brien Community Special The Learning Times Editorial Listening Phone English Dear Abby Domestic News Foreign News Screen English Live English in Drama Discovery Education Ancient Idiom iBT Writing English Writing I English Writing II English Grammar Grasping Vocab iBT Vocab Korean Language Junior Writing Junior Reading Junior Reporter 12-02-2009 18:41 DMZ Development Plans
From Symbol of War to Ecological Peace Belt It is often said that the Korean Peninsula is the world's last Cold War frontier divided into the capitalist South and the communist North. The nation fought the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. Before the fratricidal conflict, the peninsula was divided at the 38th Parallel. A similar demarcation was drawn at the end of the war and both sides set up the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) along the newly-established border. The DMZ, 248 kilometers long and 4 kilometers wide, has long been a forbidden area, serving as the buffer zone between the two rivals. Needless to say, the DMZ was and is the symbol of war, division, confrontation and national tragedy. But it has recently begun to be recognized as a treasure for its pristine ecosystem of flora and fauna, which has been untouched by human hands for almost six decades. As a result, policymakers, scholars, ecologists and environmental activists are increasingly showing their interest in the preservation of the DMZ and its utilization to promote peace not only in Korea but also around the world. Against this backdrop, the Seoul government on Wednesday announced long-term basic plans to turn the DMZ into an ecological peace belt. It decided to have the DMZ designated as a biosphere zone by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The decision is aimed at better preserving the area which boasts a variety of rare species as well as contains historic and cultural heritages. The plans also include the creation of a U.N. peace conference hall and a U.N. peace university as part of efforts to heal the wounds of war and overcome Cold War conflicts between the two Koreas. Furthermore, the government is seeking to build a bridge connecting the South's Incheon International Airport to the North's border town of Gaeseong, where the inter-Korean industrial complex is located. In addition, the government is considering creating a joint tourism site by linking Mt. Seorak in the South and Mt. Geumgang in the North. It also plans to build a green technology valley for new materials and renewable energy sources as part of the nation's low-carbon growth strategy. Those plans will no doubt provide great opportunities for the nation to advocate peace, lessen ideological confrontations, promote reconciliation and co-prosperity on the peninsula, and preserve the DMZ ecology. In the business side, such plans are expected to bring great potential to the nation in terms of ecotourism and clean technology. But the government should conduct sufficient field studies on the ecosystem of the DMZ and make thorough preparations to smoothly push for the projects. First, the South is required to work together with the North to ensure the success of the plans. It goes without saying that such projects cannot be implemented without cooperation from Pyongyang. The unilateral announcement of the plans is as good as a pipe dream at a time when the two Koreas have yet to improve their ties amid the North's nuclear standoff and hostility toward the South. Second, the government should address concerns about an adverse ecological impact of its development programs on the DMZ. No one wants the well-preserved DMZ to be destroyed by the projects. Therefore, the most pertinent thing centers on how to develop the DMZ into an ecological peace zone without leaving human footprints. It is easier said than done.
Reader's Comments �–� Other View Notice From KT Website Manager Bad language will not be tolerated. All comments considered discriminatory against race or sex, or which are considered offensive against certain people, will be eliminated by the manager. Violators will be deprived of their membership. Please stay on topic. �–� Managerial regulations You must log in to use this service. Read Full Article »
