A delegation from the Republic of Korea’s Environmental Institute (KEI), Dr. Youngjoon Lee, Dr. Teho Ro and Ms. Junghee Kim, visited the CMS Secretariat in Bonn on 17 September. Representatives of CMS delivered presentations on the activities of their agreements. Benefits to the Republic of Korea of joining CMS, conservation measures, the MoU for the Asian region, scientific activities and Avian Influenza were major topics of interest to the Korean delegation.

The Republic of Korea is an important range state for various species that are listed on the CMS Appendices I and II. Around 50 species of mammals have been identified in the Republic of Korea. Its waters are home to six Appendix I cetaceans, namely the Bowhead Whale (Balaena mysticetus), Sei Whale (Balaenoptera borealis), Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus), Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus), Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) and Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus).

Four Appendix II cetaceans occur throughout the Republic of Korea’s coastal waters - Baird’s Beaked Whale (Baradius baidii), Finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides), Orca (Orcinus orca) and Dall’s porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli). The Appendix II Dugong (Dugong dugon) can also be found along certain stretches of the Korean coast. A number of other endangered migratory mammals not currently listed in the CMS appendices occur in the Republic of Korea such as the Leopard Cat (Felis bengalensis) and the Asian Black bear (Ursus thibetanus).

The Republic of Korea has some successful programmes to protect its biodiversity, particularly for migratory species. A number of national institutions are involved in the study or conservation of migrant species or their habitats. Given the growing level of awareness on general environmental and conservation issues in the Republic of Korea, protected areas are a key tool in conservation. CMS could contribute to Korean conservation efforts and provide opportunities for potential financial and technical support to certain protected areas.

The Republic of Korea’s participation in programmes designed to conserve migratory species would enhance the country’s international standing and could serve as a beacon for the region. The Republic of Korea is a member of many of the major conservation-related international conventions, notably Ramsar (Wetlands), the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the World Heritage Convention and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Membership of CMS would add a crucial element to the Republic of Korea‘s contribution to global environmental conservation efforts.