* 2024 Thematic Seminar on Management Challenges of Internationally Designated Areas

From November 19 to 22, 2024, a four-day thematic seminar on 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 brought together 40 site managers from internationally designated areas across Korea. Participants exchanged strategies to enhance community engagement in the sustainable management of World Heritage sites and wetlands, and shared outreach practices from sites such as the Jeju and Hantangang UNESCO Global Geoparks.

The program also featured field visits to key protected areas in Jeju, including Dongbaekdongsan Wetland, and an exhibition of promotional materials used by protected area offices across the country—offering practical inspiration for on-the-ground conservation.

Looking ahead, GCIDA plans to invite international site managers to future seminars, fostering greater opportunities for global exchange and capacity-building.