Korean Government Will Manage "Penguin Village" in Antarctica

08-28-2008 17:38 Gov’t Seeks to Manage 'Penguin Village' in Antarctica By Kim Rahn Staff Reporter The Korea Times http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/08/117_30155.html The Environment Ministry seeks to designate as a special zone Narebski Point of Antarctica, also known as a ``penguin village,'' as part of efforts to protect the environment and conduct research. The ministry said Thursday that it applied in June for the designation of Narebski Point as a specially protected area at the annual meeting of the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Party in Ukraine. Narebski Point, about two kilometers away from South Korea's research post King Sejong Station on King George Island, is home to three kinds of penguins, including the gentoo and chinstrap. It is also abundant in South Polar Skua, a kind of seagull, and mosses, lichens and plants that reproduce through seeds. ``If designated, Korea will play a major role in protection of the area, as well as doing research on the region's ecosystem and natural resources,'' an official at the ministry's international cooperation office said. A decision on the designation will come at the consultative party's meeting in Baltimore, Maryland, in April next year. If designated, the point will be virtually put under South Korean control. Among 18 nations having research stations in Antarctica, 15 manage 67 zones. South Korea has none. ``Managing the special area will show our commitment to contribute to environmental protection of the polar region. Through the designation, we can show the world that we have the will and the ability to protect environments outside of our territory,'' the official said. Antarctica belongs to no country. Forty-six nations are party to the Antarctic Treaty, which was designed for peaceful use of the continent and international cooperation for scientific study. President Lee Myung-bak said in a speech earlier this month that his government will reinforce research and exploitation of natural resources in the Arctic Ocean and Antarctica. South Korea will also build a second research base there. rahnita@koreatimes.co.kr