DMZ Coalition
Newsletter #1-May 3, 2007
Editor: William Shore
Vision: A peaceful Korean peninsula with its DMZ biological and cultural resources preserved for future generations, enriching the environments of both nations.
Objectives: To preserve the cultural and biodiversity assets of the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and surrounding areas in North and South Korea through creation of a transboundary peace and nature park (with ˇ®protected areas') as a focal point to engage political leadership to: (1) overcome hostilities on the Korean Peninsula,
(2) protect ecological integrity, and (3) develop sustainable eco-tourism and related ecosystem services.
Introduction: A global DMZ Coalition has been formed to assist the Korean people in their preserving the Korean Demilitarized Zone as a transboundary peace and nature park, including identification of critical habitats and species that could help restore biodiversity north and south, and scientific study of how nature has rejuvenated itself over the past 54 years.
To help achieve the vision and objectives, DMZ Coalition members will be asked to: (1) sanction publicizing of their membership to demonstrate high-level global support; (2) provide contacts to appropriate decision-makers and experts; and (3) contribute expertise in areas that DMZ preservation will need, such as economics, ecosystems and ecosystem services, biology, Geographic Information Systems, global diplomacy, North Korean and international relations, Korean and other relevant national and international examples of conservation and real estate law, public education and land mine removal.
Current Events: Recent results of the 6-party talk negotiations led to a meeting on March 5 at The Korea Society (TKS) , in New York City of distinguished North Korean, South Korean and U.S. leaders. It was co-sponsored by the National Committee on American Foreign Policy. Participants agreed that continuing this kind of dialogue can be helpful in laying the foundation for improved relations between the U.S. and North Korea . Donald Gregg, Chairman of TKS and former U.S. Ambassador to South Korea , mentioned the issue of preserving DMZ ecosystems, among others, in that day's discussion. Talking later with DMZ Forum Board member Seung-ho Lee, Ambassador Gregg said that the friendly atmosphere at the March 5 meeting appeared to pave the way for eventual discussion of DMZ issues. March 5 th meeting participants included:
The Honorable Madeleine ALBRIGHT, The Albright Group, LLC |
Mr. Jeffrey BARON , U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee |
Dr. Victor CHA, National Security Council |
Mr. CHOE Kang Il, Democratic People's Republic of Korea |
Mrs. CHOE Son Hui, Democratic People's Republic of Korea |
Mr. William FLYNN, National Committee on American Foreign Policy |
Mr. Stanley GALE, The Gale Company |
The Honorable Donald P. GREGG, The Korea Society |
Mrs. HWANG Myong Sim, Democratic People's Republic of Korea |
Mr. JI Su Gwan, Democratic People's Republic of Korea |
Mr. JONG Thae Yang, Democratic People's Republic of Korea |
His Excellency KIM Kye Gwan, Vice Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Democratic People's Republic of Korea |
Minister KIM Myong Gil,
DPRK Mission to the United Nations |
Mr. Sung Y. KIM, United States Department of State |
The Honorable Henry KISSINGER, Kissinger Associates |
Mr. Keith LUSE, U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee |
Mr. Don OBERDORFER, Johns Hopkins University |
Mr. Charles (Jack) PRITCHARD, Korea Economic Institute |
Mr. Evans J.R. REVERE, The Korea Society |
Mr. RI Ji Song, Democratic People's Republic of Korea |
Dr. George D. SCHWAB, National Committee on American Foreign Policy |
The Honorable Wendy SHERMAN, The Albright Group, LLC |
Dr. Jim WALSH, Security Studies Program, MIT |
Professor Donald ZAGORIA, National Committee on American Foreign Policy |
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On March 6 , Chief U.S. 6-party talk negotiator Ambassador Christopher Hill addressed a meeting at Japan Society. As reported by Seung-ho Lee, Hill said that the February 13 agreement was historic as a multi-lateral agreement among all 6 nations. In it, t he DPRK agreed to disable and dismantle the nuclear reactors in Yongbyon in return for energy aid and security assurances. The first step was to be completed within 60 days, followed by an inspection from International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which has not yet happened. Negotiations continue on the Highly Enriched Uranium issue. The agreement set up working groups to deal with several issues, including: Japanese abductees; Northeast Asia Security; and replacing the 1953 armistice with a peace treaty "among directly-related parties"? North Korea , South Korea , the U.S. and China . Ambassador Hill was cautiously optimistic about the agreement.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) held a c onference on February 17 in San Francisco , during which 2 sessions were devoted to discussing previous DPRK projects and the potential for initiating an AAAS project in North Korea . Coalition members Peter Hayes (Nautilus), Ambassador Harry Barnes (Asia Society) and Hall Healy (DMZ Forum) spoke. Peter discussed a DPRK wind energy project, Harry talked about DPRK food aid and related work and Hall presented information on the Bird Protection Project (below). Discussions continue with AAAS regarding the form a specific project might take.
Reported to Hall Healy in a meeting at the US Embassy in Seoul on May 1 were a number of activities going on in relation to the 6-party talks that may have some bearing on DMZ efforts:
- Energy and Economic Cooperation-under which one million tons of fuel will be sent to NK if they hold up their end of the bargain; also will entail talking about solar, wind and small generator power plant discussions; recent talks are leading to full commissioning of the east and west rail lines between the two countries.
- Northeast Asia Security
- Peace Regime-final decision will be made by Ministry of Unification (MOU)-with input from Ministry of Defense (MOD), Ministry of Environment (MOE)
- Flood Control of Imjin River-through control of the flow. It is possible they also will discuss dams on the Imjin.
- The two countries are discussing the possibility of sand dredging, to provide sand for construction in NK and neighboring countries. If the Han estuary becomes involved, the DMZ also will be involved.
Reported in the Korea Times on May 2, 2007 -5 lawmakers and 5 businessmen from ROK are visiting the DPRK to discuss joint economic cooperation. They also will discuss ways of creating a joint peace zone at the mouth of the Han River .
Current Activities: The DMZ Coalition will provide information and support that is necessary to help restore and preserve the DMZ and related Korean peninsula ecosystems. The first example is this newsletter. Initial Coalition activities include:
• Develop periodic newsletter
• Develop appropriate working committees to pursue specific projects. As of now, suggested committees are: Bi ological Resources of the DMZ, Cultural Resources of the DMZ, Removal of Land Mines, Land Ownership Issues of the DMZ, Liaison with the Six Party Talks, Sustainable Economic Development and the DMZ
• Create website to facilitate discussion of ideas and projects and receive up-to-date information
• Conduct periodic conference calls
• Conduct meetings of the Coalition during 2007 and 2008-dates, times and places to be announced
• Work on projects agreed to by members. For example:
DPRK Agreement to a Bird-Protection-Sustainable Agriculture Project:
The DPRK has approved this 3-year project at its highest levels and described it as:"BOOSTING COMMUNITY-BASED PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT AND ENDANGERED MIGRATORY BIRD CONSERVATION AS WELL AS SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT." It was developed at an April 2005 meeting in Beijing , in collaboration with representatives from the DMZ Forum, International Crane Foundation and 12 other organizations from North and South Korea , Russia , Mongolia , Japan , China and the U.S. The DMZ Forum is seeking about $400,000 to carry out the project, which includes:
• Promoting sustainable rural community development, creating sustainable food supplies and agricultural practices for local people, including organic farming, renewable and sustainable energy, efficient building techniques, organic waste water treatment, clean water supply systems and sustainable village enterprise.
• Promoting conservation of regional biodiversity, specifically habitats of endangered Red-crowned C ranes and Black-faced Spoonbill s as indicators for all migratory species. Cranes are winter visitors to North Korea ; Spoonbills are summer visitors.
• Creating and disseminating a model of conservation, protected area management and sustainable agricultural that could be adapted elsewhere in North Korea .
Initially, one pilot village cluster will be chosen in the Anbyon area, northeast of the DMZ. Project success depends on c oordination of local and national authorities , non-government organizations (NGOs), villagers, the village clusters, scientific and educational institutions.
In addition, it has been proposed that the Coalition become capable of acting as a viable "go-to" source to appropriate 6-party talk committees for information related to the Coalition's objectives. Specific feedback from members is requested on this activity. Obviously, it will take time to ramp up to this capability.
Coalition Founding Members: The list in Attachment #1 shows those people up to now who have indicated they will be a member of the Coalition. Others are being approached and considering membership. Please suggest additional members you feel can help us achieve our objectives and vision.
Contacts/Contact Information:
• Hall Healy-The DMZ Forum, Inc.
-847-373-7770; hallhealy@aol.com
• Fred Carriere-The Korea Society
-212-612-7281; fred.ny@koreasociety.org
• Mike Finley-Turner Foundation
-404-522-4798; mikef@turnerfoundation.org
Collaboration is Key to Our Success! Thank You!
Comments: Your comments and suggestions are welcome. Please confirm that information about you is accurate and address comments to:
Bill Shore-914-922-1542; bshore@kohudres.kendal.org
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