MOE has decided to preserve wetland areas around the Han River to protect the ecological system and endangered species from negative human development activities.

MOE announced on April 16 that it designated 60.7 square kilometers of wetland, located in an estuary of the Han River, as a preservation site. The area, which covers parts of Goyang City and Gimpo City in Gyeonggi Province, is larger than 10 wetland areas nationwide with a combined space of 45.9 square kilometers that is currently under the government''s protection.

But this move will likely draw strong protests from people residing and doing businesses in the areas as the designation prohibits various construction and development activities as well as hunting.

A number of endangered and protected species including the golden eagle and the blackfaced spoonbill inhabit the wetlands and the area is also a sanctuary for a variety of migratory birds.

In order to better protect the wetland areas, MOE is also considering registering them with the Ramsar Convention, an intergovernmental treaty that provides a framework for international actions for the conservation and wise use of wetlands crucial habitat for endangered species.

The treaty was adopted in the Iranian coastal city of Ramsar in 1971. South Korea is one of 147 signatories.

MOE plans to work out a comprehensive conservation blueprint for the wetlands in cooperation with other government offices, including the Ministry of Defense and Gyeonggi Provincial Government.

It will also consult with experts in the private sector to map out more effective measures to protect the wetlands and its inhabiting species.

The Korea Environment Institute estimated that 191 square kilometers of wetlands around the Han River create some 733 billion won ($771 million) in economic and environmental values annually.

According to the institute, criteria for calculating wetlands'' monetary value include its annual fishery production, ability to purify polluted water and aesthetic value to humans.

It also put the monetary value of wetland totaling 73 square kilometers around an estuary of the Yongsan River in South Jeolla Province at 46 billion won, while 55 square kilometers of wetland in the Seomjin River in North Jeolla Province was valued at 92 billion won.

An institute official said protecting the estuaries of major rivers is the key to preserving the country''s rich ecosystem and biodiversity.

“The government should develop a consistent and effective management system as soon as possible to save the wetlands before it is too late,” he said.