APFED Booklet on Good Practices and Innovative Activities 2005 ...

Award
Korea (Republic of Korea)
2006
Resuscitation of the Geumho River
Project Site Location
Daegu Metropolitan city and Basin of the Geumho River
Background - Problems Addressed and Policy Responses
The Geumho River is a main tributary of the Nakdong River,
an important source of water for the people living along the
river basin. However, the Geumho became polluted, which
triggered conflicts between upper and downstream areas.
Considering the importance of water quality protection in
the Geumho River, Daegu City established a strategic plan to
make improvements.
The Geumho River winds through parts of
Daegu
2006 2007 2008 2009
Project Outline - Objectives and Activities
Daegu City set a target of improved water quality of the Geumho River to meet National Environmental
Standard Grade III - below BOD 6 mg/l. Restoration of the water environment, home to diverse animals
and plants, was another quality improvement objective. The construction of sewage treatment plants
was incorporated into the city’s long-term development plan, for which a large budget was set aside.
Roles have also been assigned for corporations, environmental organizations and citizens as part of the
improvement plan.
Impacts and Achievements
Wastewater treatment plants were introduced to the city, which raised the Geumho River water quality.
Awareness-raising was provided via NGO environmental education programme financed by Daegu City.
Ordinary citizens participated in water quality monitoring and reporting and played an important role in
maintaining water quality. The goal of National Environmental Standard Grade III was achieved, with water
quality maintained up to 4.0 mg/l on average in 2005 and upstream-downstream conflicts over water
pollution have been resolved.
Future Challenges
Restoration of the water environment, including conservation of biodiversity on the riverbanks, although
partly addressed within objectives of city plans, needs to be further strengthened.
Other cities in Korea may have similar water quality issues, which would require investment in wastewater
treatment plants as well as public involvement in education and awareness-raising programmes similar to
that undertaken in Daegu City.
General Information
Name of the Implementing Organisation:
Daegu, Metropolitan City
Type of Organisation: Governmental Organisation
Contact: Jang, Jung-suk
130 Gongpyeong-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu, Korea
Tel: 82-53-803-4270 Fax: 82-53-803-4279 E-mail: j471115@hanmail.net
Project Reviewer (NetRes / Collaborators) that monitors the project:
Yatsuka Kataoka, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) E-mail: kataoka@iges.or.jp
Area
Climate Change 3R Biodiversity & Ecosystem Water Capacity Development etc. Others
Award
Gold Silver Bronze Incentive
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