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

The Importance and Current Status of Integrated Coastal Zone Management – Gyeonggi Bay – From 2004 to the 2020s The Situation in 2004 In Gyeonggi Bay, illegal dumping had become a serious environmental problem along the coast, and waste flowing from urban to rural areas was having a negative impact on the ecosystem. Thousands of tons of waste were illegally dumped annually, much of it consisting of construction debris and plastic waste. The waste contained hazardous substances such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and lead, which seeped into the soil and groundwater, causing serious impacts on the health of local residents and the environment. To address this issue, Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) was proposed, and local communities, businesses, and government agencies began collaborating to expand waste treatment facilities and strengthen traceability. Locally, the "Gyeonggi Environmental Recycling Center" began operating an incinerator with a daily processing capacity of 200 tons. Additionally, it launched educational programs for local residents, contributing to increased awareness of recycling. Progress in the 2010s In the 2010s, ICZM-based initiatives continued, but the increase in waste resulting from urbanization and population growth emerged as a challenge. In some areas, waste processing capacity could not keep up, and illegal dumping remained a problem. The government strengthened monitoring of illegal dumping and promoted collaborative responses between local residents and the administration, leading to gradual improvements. Current Situation in the 2020s As the 2020s began, it was reported that approximately 50,000 tons of waste were illegally dumped annually, much of which consisted of construction debris, plastic waste, and electronic waste (e-waste). This waste contains hazardous substances such as lead, cadmium, and hexavalent chromium, which are having a serious impact on marine ecosystems and the health of local residents. The South Korean government is continuing to expand waste treatment facilities. A facility newly established by the Korea Environmental Industry Corporation in 2023 is capable of processing 1,000 tons per day, and plans are underway to raise the recycling rate to 70%. Additionally, the Waste Tracking System (WRTS) has been introduced, enabling digital management of the process from waste generation to disposal. Improvements resulting from the cooperation of local residents and businesses were evident, such as the collection of 2,000 tons of trash during a marine cleanup campaign in 2022 that drew approximately 50,000 participants. Summary and Outlook Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) in Gyeonggi Bay continues to progress as an initiative aimed at harmonizing environmental conservation with local economic activities. However, challenges remain, including insufficient treatment capacity to handle the increasing volume of waste resulting from urbanization, groundwater contamination, and impacts on fishery resources. To achieve sustainable coastal management, it is essential to strengthen policies and foster further collaboration between local communities and businesses. Additionally, it is necessary to enhance measures addressing wide-ranging environmental issues through international cooperation.