Paris, April 10 (Yonhap) – North Korea’s Mount Paektu has been officially designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark, marking a significant milestone for the country’s geological heritage.
The UNESCO Executive Board approved the designation on April 10th, adding Mount Paektu to the Global Geoparks Network. This follows China’s designation of its portion of the mountain range as Changbaishan last year. This marks the first time North Korea has been included in the prestigious network.
The UNESCO Global Geoparks Council highlighted the mountain’s dramatic volcanic landscape as a key feature, noting the unique cirques formed by glacial erosion. Mount Paektu, a dormant volcano straddling the border between North Korea and China, holds immense cultural and historical significance for both nations.
North Korea initially submitted its application for Mount Paektu’s inclusion in the Global Geoparks Network in 2019, ahead of China. However, on-site inspections were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a postponement of the approval process.
The designation is expected to boost tourism to the region and promote sustainable development initiatives focused on preserving the area’s unique geological features.
Furthermore, South Korea’s Danyang Geopark and the Gyeongsangbuk-do East Coast Geopark were also added to the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, bringing South Korea’s total number of geoparks to seven.
Conclusion:
The designation of Mount Paektu as a UNESCO Global Geopark is a significant achievement for North Korea, highlighting the country’s rich geological heritage and potential for sustainable tourism development. This recognition not only underscores the mountain’s unique geological features but also provides an opportunity for international collaboration in preserving this natural wonder for future generations. Further research and investment in sustainable tourism practices will be crucial to maximizing the benefits of this designation while ensuring the long-term protection of Mount Paektu’s unique environment.
References:
- Yonhap News Agency. (2024, April 10). North Korea’s Mount Paektu Designated as UNESCO Global Geopark. Retrieved from [Provided Korean News Article]
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