2024 Thematic Seminar on Management Challenges of Internationally Designated Areas

From 19 to 22 November 2024, a four-day thematic seminar addressing the management challenges of internationally designated areas was held in Jeju. The event was co-hosted by the Global Research and Training Centre for Internationally Designated Areas (GCIDA), the Korean National Commission for UNESCO, and the Korean MAB Committee.

The seminar convened 40 site managers from internationally designated areas across Korea, providing a platform to exchange strategies for enhancing community engagement in the sustainable management of World Heritage sites, wetlands, and other protected areas. Participants also shared effective outreach practices drawn from sites such as the Jeju and Hantangang UNESCO Global Geoparks.

The programme included field visits to key protected areas in Jeju, including Dongbaekdongsan Wetland, offering hands-on insights into site-level management. An accompanying exhibition showcased promotional and educational materials developed by protected area offices nationwide, offering practical resources and inspiration for conservation in action.

Looking ahead, GCIDA aims to expand the seminar to include international site managers, creating further opportunities for global exchange and capacity-building in the field of protected area management.

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