Son, Gi-Woong (Secretary General)

Multiple Uses on Transboundary Rivers and Measures for Promoting Exchange and Cooperation between North Korea and South Korea Son, Gi-Woong (Secretary General) • Korea DMZ Council

Korea and the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) The Korean Peninsula is divided into North Korea and South Korea with the DMZ in-between. DMZ is serving as a pivotal area and pathway for inter-Korean exchange and cooperation as it is located at the center of the peninsula. KOREA DMZ COUNCIL

Korea and the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) In the DMZ, two rivers, Imjin River and Bukhan River, shared by North Korea and South Korea flow from the north to the south. KOREA DMZ COUNCIL

Bukhan River Imjin River KOREA DMZ COUNCIL

Biodiversity along the DMZ and the two Rivers DMZ is an area where the fiercest battle took place during the Korean War. It has been transformed into one of the most selective natural habitats in the world with well-preserved ecosystem as human access has been strictly restricted. KOREA DMZ COUNCIL

The Significance of the Peaceful Use of the North-South Korea’s Transboundary Rivers • Whether or not the North and South Korea can make an agreement on the peaceful use of the transboundary rivers will show a mutual will on both sides • to end military confrontation and • to move forward toward ‘win-win’ scenario and • common prosperity. • The two Koreas can build • a new inter-Korean relationship • if they cooperatewith each other on the shared rivers • which flow through the DMZ. KOREA DMZ COUNCIL

Matters to be Considered in the Peaceful Use of the North-South Transboundary Rivers • The transboundary river region should be used • First, as a place for harmony between the people and • the two Koreas • Second, as a place where human beings and • the natural environment live in harmony. • Third, as a pathway for inter-Korean exchange and • cooperation. • Fourth, as a stage for environmental cooperation between • the two Koreas in pursuit of the creation of • a “joint environment community” and • a “joint economic community”. • Fifth, with consideration of the interests of • neighboring countries and the international community KOREA DMZ COUNCIL

Current Situation of the Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation • The two Koreas have agreed to organize and operate "working-level committee on flood control and prevention along the Imjin River" and "joint research group for flood control and prevention along the Imjin River" in order to prevent flood-related damages on theImjin River basin. • The two Koreas have also agreed upon the implementation of an on-site survey, notification of data for weather and floodgate, establishment of flood forecasting facilities, and provision of seedlings necessary for flood control and forestation in the upper stream of Imjin River. • In addition, the two countries hosted a meeting to conduct a joint survey on the stability of Imnam Dam in Bukhan River. • Unfortunately, however, tension between the two countries halted the inter-Korean cooperation on the transboundary river projects. KOREA DMZ COUNCIL

Project Proposals 1. Flood Prevention • The two Koreas implement a joint research on overall environmental and geographical matters • in Imjin River and Bukhan River. • At first, each country conducts a survey on the regions and • shares the result with each other • then, in the midterm, the two Koreas conduct a joint survey • The two Koreas establish flood forecasting and warning facilities to reduce flood damages • The two Koreas prepare for possible emergent situations by doing bank revetment • In the long term, the two Koreas establish a large-scale multi-purpose dam in two rivers and • repair existing dams to prevent disasters, jointly use water resources, and produce electricity KOREA DMZ COUNCIL

Project Proposals 2. Forestation • The two Koreas estimate the area in need of forestation • assess the degree of deforestation • establish a plan for gradual tree planting • The two Koreas proceed withforestation project • starting from mid-and-upper stream areas of Imjin River and Bukhan River • in North Korea • then implement a project for North-and-South border areas in the mid-and- • downstream of the rivers KOREA DMZ COUNCIL

Project Proposals 3. Joint Agricultural Cooperation in Imjin River Region • The two Koreas readjust arable fields and improve farm roads and • irrigation facilities in the Imjin River areas • The two Koreas operate a farm as a test run and further develop it • into a cooperative farm • The two Koreas form a peace farm in the DMZ region of • the Imjin River area KOREA DMZ COUNCIL

Project Proposals 4. Excavation and Recovery of Gung-Ye-Palace in Imjin River Region • Gung-Ye-Palace of later Goguryeo is located in the DMZ in the Imjin River area, and the Military Demarcation Line passes through the center of the palace. • The two Koreas investigate northern and southern part of Gung-Ye-Palace to conduct historical research and share their respective findings • In the mid term, the two Koreas implement a joint project to develop the palace into an ecological and cultural tourism zone Military Division Line KOREA DMZ COUNCIL

Project Proposals5. Formation of “the UN Peace- Eco Park” and “the UN Peace-Eco Lake” in Bukhan River Region • North Korea releases water in the upper stream of Bukhan River into South Korea. • The two Koreas create • “the UN Peace-Eco Park” and • “the UN Peace- Eco Lake”between the Imnam Dam and the Peace Dam • The two Koreas investigate • environmental and ecological resources inhabiting in the DMZ area • The two Koreas build • a museum of life and nature to show the biodiversity of this region • The two Koreas also make efforts to designate this region • as “the UNESCO Transboundary Biosphere Reserve” • The two Koreas create • a cultural performance hall which stands for peace and environmental protection on the Military Demarcation Line KOREA DMZ COUNCIL

Son, Gi-Woong (Secretary General)