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

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

Situation in 2004
In Gyeonggi Bay, illegal dumping had become a serious environmental problem in coastal areas, and the waste flowing from urban to rural areas was having a negative impact on the ecosystem. Thousands of tons of waste were illegally dumped annually, mostly construction waste and waste plastics. The waste contained polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), lead, and other toxic substances, which permeated into the soil and groundwater, seriously affecting the health of local residents and the environment. To address this problem, ICZM (Integrated Coastal Zone Management) was proposed, and local communities, businesses, and government agencies began working together to expand waste treatment facilities and strengthen traceability.
At the site, the Gyeonggi Environmental Recycling Center operates an incinerator with a processing capacity of 200 tons per day. The center also developed educational programs for local residents to help raise recycling awareness.

Progress in the 2010s
In the 2010s, ICZM-based initiatives continued, but urbanization and population growth led to an increase in waste. Illegal dumping remained a problem, as waste disposal capacity in some areas could not keep up. The government stepped up monitoring of illegal dumping and cooperation between local residents and the government led to gradual improvements.

Current Status in the 2020s
In the 2020s, it was reported that about 50,000 tons of waste was illegally dumped annually, mostly construction waste, plastic waste, and electronic waste (e-waste). These wastes contain toxic substances such as lead, cadmium, and hexavalent chromium, which seriously affect marine ecosystems and the health of local residents.
The Korean government is further expanding waste treatment facilities, and plans are underway to increase the recycling rate to 70%, with a new facility to be built in 2023 by "Korea Environment Industry Corporation" that will be able to process 1,000 tons per day. In addition, a Waste Tracking System (WRTS) has been introduced to digitally manage the process of waste from generation to treatment, and improvements have been made with the cooperation of local residents and businesses, including the collection of 2,000 tons of waste during an ocean cleanup activity in 2022 in which approximately 50,000 people participated.

Summary and Prospects
Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) in Gyeonggi Bay continues to make progress as an effort to harmonize environmental conservation and the economic activities of local communities. However, the lack of treatment capacity to handle the increase in waste due to urbanization, groundwater pollution, and the impact on fishery resources remain challenges. Strengthened policies and further collaboration between local communities and businesses are essential to achieve sustainable coastal management. It is also necessary to strengthen measures to address environmental issues on a broad scale through international cooperation.