Expats say grand canal may impact the world

The grand canal project by the new Korean administration is emerging as a divisive issue that may affect the outcome of today’s general election, and some foreign voices are calling for deeper public awareness of Korean environmentalism.
Duncan Davidson, a 32-year-old expat from New Zealand, and some other eco-conscious expats say the canal that would run the length of the country will destroy the natural environment more than people would assume.
The Korean environments at risk are also part of the world’s heritage, they assert.
Last Saturday, Davidson and Peter Gallo, 33, voiced opposition to the canal during a seminar in Gwangju , attended by around 60 people.
“I think if people knew what is involved in the grand canal project, there would be more opposition,” Davidson said in an interview.
The lecture was only part of their efforts to promote discussion of the issue.
Davidson, while working as an English teacher in Yeosu, South Jeolla, manages a social network on Facebook where he brought together expats concerned about the issue.
Two weeks ago, he called for participation in a March 30 march in Seoul organized by local civic organizations.
Around 200 protesters, including 20 or so expats, handed brochures to people during the march in central Seoul.
“The government sells a beautiful vision of what it’s going to be like, and it’s not going to be the reality,” Davidson said.
“Saemangeum is a very good example.”
Saemangeum is Korea’s largest tidal flats area, with about 40,100 hectares (99,000 acres), based in North Jeolla.
The reclamation project of the area was approved by the government in 2006.
Davidson cited research saying the Saemangeum project ruined habitats for migratory birds from Australia, New Zealand and Russia in the area.
“It’s a huge mistake,” Davidson said.
“The grand canal is going to be the same mistake.”
He said the canal project will only benefit some construction companies and landowners, without economic benefit for the public in general, which the Korean government is telling the public.
Some observers may wonder why a handful of foreigners, who have no voting rights here, are involved with the issue.
Shawn Morrissey, a 28-year-old Canadian who joined the march, said it is because the issue is not about nationality.
“It’s an issue of environmentalism,” Morrissey said.
“Whatever happens with Korea’s environment eventually will ripple and affect everything on earth.”

[joe@joongang.co.kr]