Topic : Priests to Continue Campaign Against Saemangum Reclamation Project Writer : CBCK Inquiry : 2034 Date : 2002-04-08 13:26:44   Priests to Continue Campaign Against Saemangum Reclamation Project    As the Korean government has been at odds over making a final decision on one of Korea's most controversial environmental issues in recent years, the Saemangum reclamation project on the west coast of Jeollabuk-do and facing strong objection of local people and environmental organizations, the Justice and Peace Committee of the Diocese of Chonju(Pres.: Rev. Kim Jin-ryong) made public its official position regarding the Project by calling a press conference on May 5.      In the statement the Justice and Peace Committee urged the government "Not to rush to make final decision of the project but to make first a scientific and professional research with enough time."    "The Saemangum reclamation project was wrong from the beginning, however, it is not too late to stop now. Regarding use of the sea wall already constructed, the government must decide through a consensus of people after having heard opinions of local residents, environmental experts and organizations".        The Saemangum reclamation project first initiated in 1991 aimed at turning 40,100 hectares of mud flats in the Saemangum region of Jeollabuk-do into 28,300 hectares of farmland, as well as gaining a freshwater lake for irrigation.      "If the reclamation plan is carried out, the tidal flats, an important habitat for migratory birds in the region will disappear," an environmental activist said.    Meantime, the Association of Major Superiors of Religious Women in Korea, Korean Priests Association for Justice including many other Church organizations, environmentalists, farmers and fisher's organizations, groups for human rights have continued to struggle against the project and to call for its suspension, claiming it will harm the environment severly, such as the precious tidal flats in the region.    Fr. Moon Kyu-hyon, Permanent representative of the Solidarity of Life and Peace of Saemanbum Beach, announced One-Week of Sea Coast March from May 13-19 to protest the project. Inhabitants of Buan, college students, environmental activists and religion people are expected to participate in the march.        "It is our duty and right to protect the creation and enjoy God's creation with all creation of God," they said.    Saemangum beach is known for most rich production of shellfish and the region of migrant birds.    The environmentalists proposed to make Semangum beach an echo-tourist site.