The potential impact of a botanical garden in the Korean Demilitarized Zone
Date
2013
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea
came into fruition as a result of the 1953 Korean Armistice Agreement. No human
disturbance for over 60 years yielded the de facto sanctuary. The DMZ, which extends
248 km (155 miles) long and 4 km (2.5 miles) wide, has become a nature sanctuary
that contains more than 1,800 flora and fauna, including threatened and endangered
species. Many researchers maintain that the DMZ must be preserved for the sake of
biodiversity, and designating the DMZ as a peace park, a United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site or a Biosphere
Reserve is appropriate.
Botanic gardens have become environmental stewards that can play
crucial roles in conservation, research, and education. Furthermore, botanic gardens
illustrate the history and culture of the nation in which they reside. This research
investigated the feasibility of developing a botanical garden in the DMZ utilizing
surveys of the South Korean public and interviews conducted in South Korea with
horticulture and government professionals. The public was supportive of the idea of
establishing a botanical garden and agreed that the garden focuses on conservation
efforts and educational programming. Upon further research, a similar government
plan was found and included in the planning of a proposed DMZ Native Botanical
Garden (DNBG). Another interview with an individual from North Carolina Botanical
Garden was conducted as a possible model for the DNBG. The results of the survey, interviews and the DNBG plan yielded the
current state of affairs in the DMZ and Civilian Control Zone (CCZ), followed by
examination of Wyse Jackson’s viewpoints on the critical elements to consider when
creating a botanic garden with research findings. The research then explores six
potential roles and eight critical elements that the DNBG should consider in order to
be successful as a core institution for DMZ and CCZ conservation. A SWOT Analysis
(Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) of the planning and the research
results was used to develop strategies for the proposed DMZ botanic garden.
Description
Keywords
Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), SWOT Analysis, Botanical gardens, Civilian Control Zone (CCZ)