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 Coun-cil

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.

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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.

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Bukhan RiverImjin River

Classification Imjin River Bukhan RiverLength  - 254.6km  - 317.5km 

Gross Area of

the Region

- 8,117.5km2 - North Korea: 5,108.8km2(62.9%)

- South Korea: 3,008.7km2(37.1%)

- 10,834.8km2

- North Korea: 6,338.4km2(58.5%)

- South Korea: 4,496.4km2(41.5%)

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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.

Biodiversity along the DMZ and the two Rivers

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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 cooperate with each other on the shared rivers

which flow through the DMZ.

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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

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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 the Imjin River basin.

• The two Koreas have also agreed upon the implementation of an

on-site survey, notification of data for weather and floodgate, es-tablishment 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.

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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

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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 with forestation 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

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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

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• 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

Project Proposals 4. Excavation and Recovery of Gung-Ye-Palace in Imjin River Region

Military Division Line

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Project Proposals 5. 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 pro-

tection on the Military Demarcation Line