Gentoo penguins in the Penguin Village /Courtesy of Korea Polar Research Institute
Korea Takes Charge of Antarctic Penguin Sanctuary
A habitat for penguins in the Antarctic Peninsula, at the northernmost tip of Antarctica, has been designated as a special protected area by the Korean government. Dubbed "Penguin Village," the habitat measures around 1 sq. km and is located around 2 km southeast of Korea's King Sejong Antarctic research station.
The Environment Ministry said an application submitted by the government to designate Penguin Village as a special protected area was accepted during the 32nd Antarctic Treaty Talks in the U.S. on Friday. The ministry on Sunday said Korea will play a leading role in environmental protection projects there.
Fourteen countries including the U.S. and U.K. manage 70 areas as special protected zones, with Penguin Village the 71st. Korea will limit access of outsiders to Penguin Village, monitor ecological changes there and engage in other measures to protect the habitat.
An Environment Ministry official said outsiders must pass through the King Sejong Antarctic research center to access Penguin Village, so the research station will inspect passes and other requirements for entry.
Penguin Village is home to 14 different types of birds and 88 species of plants, making it a particularly diverse part of Antarctica.
Story courtesy of The Chosen Ilbo @
http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2009/04/20/2009042000836.html
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