Do you know what the DMZ stands for? It is the Demilitarized Zone that often signifies the narrow belt of land between the two Koreas and was created after the end of the Korean War, in 1953. Although it was meant to be a transition/buffer zone in the Korean peninsula, its isolation from civilization gradually transformed the “empty” region into an ecologically active area with high biodiversity. 

The region is the home to 41 percent of endangered species and more than 70 percent of endangered birds in South Korea, showing that it has much ecological value. Many organizations such as the DMZ Ecology Research Institute have recognized how the DMZ is important to the ecology of the Korean peninsula and have led investigations on endangered species and programs educating civilians about the DMZ.

The DMZ is an increasingly important topic In the light of the recent talks between North & South Korea as well as the US, because there are discussions currently occurring about how the DMZ should be managed after reunification. These discussions include ideas about peace parks development projects in the DMZ, leaning on the side of more construction than preservation of plant & animal species in the region. 

Although the DMZ is located in a geographically crucial region (between two Koreas), overdeveloping this unique zone could have severe consequences to the region’s preserved and tranquil ecology after 60+ years of having no humans cross into the 4km wide ribbon of protected land.  Some more sustainable policies that could help to protect this region could include the existence of more facilities regularly investigating the flora and fauna as well as designating it as a protected region under an international organization like UNESCO or as a National Park by the Korean government. 

Either way, it is clear that more considerations about the ecological value of the DMZ need to be taken during the discussions about the future of the Korean peninsula as well as the DMZ.