Importance and Current Status of Integrated Coastal Zone Management - Gyeonggi Bay - From 2004 to the 2020s

Importance and Current Status of Integrated Coastal Zone Management - Gyeonggi Bay - From 2004 to the 2020s

**Situation in 2004**
In Gyeonggi Bay, illegal dumping posed a serious environmental problem in coastal areas, with waste flowing from urban to rural areas, negatively impacting ecosystems. Thousands of tons of waste were illegally dumped annually, mainly construction debris and plastic waste. Hazardous substances such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and lead were found in the waste, which infiltrated soil and groundwater, causing significant impacts on public health and the environment. To address this issue, Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) was proposed, involving collaboration among local communities, businesses, and government agencies to expand waste treatment facilities and strengthen traceability.
The "Gyeonggi Environmental Recycling Center" operated an incinerator with a daily processing capacity of 200 tons. Additionally, educational programs for local residents were launched to enhance recycling awareness.

**Progress in the 2010s**
During the 2010s, efforts based on ICZM continued, but the increasing waste caused by urbanization and population growth emerged as a challenge. In some areas, waste treatment capacity lagged, and illegal dumping remained a problem. The government strengthened illegal dumping monitoring, and collaboration between local residents and authorities led to gradual improvements.

**Current Status in the 2020s**
By the 2020s, it was reported that approximately 50,000 tons of waste were illegally dumped annually, consisting mainly of construction debris, plastic waste, and electronic waste (E-waste). These wastes contained hazardous substances such as lead, cadmium, and hexavalent chromium, severely impacting marine ecosystems and public health.
The South Korean government further expanded waste treatment facilities. In 2023, the "Korea Environmental Industry Corporation" opened a new facility capable of processing 1,000 tons of waste daily, aiming to raise the recycling rate to 70%. A waste tracking system (WRTS) was also implemented, enabling digital management of waste from generation to disposal. In 2022, a coastal cleanup involving about 50,000 participants collected 2,000 tons of waste, demonstrating the effectiveness of community and corporate cooperation.

**Summary and Outlook**
ICZM in Gyeonggi Bay continues to evolve as an initiative balancing environmental conservation with the economic activities of local communities. However, challenges remain, including insufficient waste treatment capacity due to urbanization, groundwater contamination, and impacts on fisheries resources. Achieving sustainable coastal management requires policy strengthening and further collaboration among communities and businesses. International cooperation is also essential to address broader environmental issues effectively.