2018/11/19

North Korea

North Korea

Participate

Programmes

North Korea

Satellite

Plan

North Korea (The Democratic People's Republic of Korea - DPRK) is located in the northern part of the Korean peninsula, in East Asia. Occupied by Japan since 1905, Korea gained independence in 1943. The country was afterwards split in two, the northern half administered by the USSR, and the southern part by the United States. This partition was formalized in 1948, with the creation of the Republic of Korea in the South, and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in the North. Successive North and South Korean offensives on both sides of the border (the Korean War) did not end this division. An armistice signed in 1953 created a demilitarized zone permanently patrolled by more than a million soldiers (North Korean, South Korean and American soldiers), but no peace treaty was signed.

Kim Il-sung, President of North Korea since 1948, developed the economy and politics of the country according to the "Juche" doctrine: a classless society, based on the principle of political independence, economic self-sufficiency and military autonomy. After his death in 1994, his son, Kim Jong-Il, became the leader of the country until his death in 2011. His son, Kim Jong-Un, became the "supreme leader" of the country in 2011.

North Korea suffered severe food crises in the 1990s, partly due to bad weather conditions (floods, then drought), and to the very small proportion of arable land in the country (less than 20%), but also to the economic system and the interruption of support from the USSR and, more generally, from the Soviet bloc, which was annually supplying fertilizers and fuel necessary for agriculture. In 1995, the Government sought foreign aid, which lasted until 2006, the date when North Korea ended emergency humanitarian aid, preferring development cooperation. Since then, only six European NGOs - including Triangle Génération Humanitaire – have been authorized to carry out humanitarian and development programmes with permanent expatriate staff in North Korea.

Despite international community support, the food shortages are likely to continue, and the nutritional quality of available foodstuffs is low. The latest UNICEF survey estimated the rate of acute malnutrition among children under five at 38% in 2014. The population, faced with continuing deterioration of living conditions since the mid-1990s, remains very vulnerable.

Since 2000, TGH has been active in various sectors: agricultural development / food security (rehabilitation of polders, support to cooperative farms), rehabilitation of drinking water supply systems, improvement of sanitation infrastructure, distribution of food aid in children institutions, improvement of the living conditions in retirement homes, support for an association promoting the rights of the elderly, etc.

Current programmes

Improving the child institutions' resilience to food shocks, by upholding some local resources for the development of a sustainable innovative aquaculture in DPR of Korea

The project aims to contribute to the sustainable improvement of the food security, by developing aquaculture activities, and the nutritional status of children dependent on social institutions who are the most vulnerable people considering the persistent technical and organizational deficits in DPRK.

Area of expertise

Key figures

Beneficiaries: 13,000 children
Duration: 40 months, starting 01/02/2018
Budget: €777,930

Funding

Capacity building of the Federation for the Care of the Aged (KFCA) in order to improve care for the elderly in DPRK.

Since 2004, TGH has been working in partnership with KFCA to improve the living conditions of the elderly in North Korea. This new programme aims at strengthening the partner's skills; improving the capacity of the country's retirement homes; setting up multi-service reception centres for the elderly.

Area of expertise

Key figures

Beneficiaries: 3 301 508 people
Duration: 24 months 04/2017 - 03/2019
Budget: €533,330

Funding

Improving diet diversity by increasing vegetables production

The project aims at contributing to a sustainable increase of the vegetable production for the most vulnerable populations of Sohung in order to durably improve diet diversity for the inhabitants of Sohung.

Area of expertise

Key figures

Beneficiaries: 42,578 people
Duration: 36 months 09/2016 - 08/2019
Budget: €1.200,000

Funding

Improving children's diet by enhancing animal protein intake

As a whole, the project aims to contribute to a sustainable improvement of the nutritional status of children dependent on social institutions in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Area of expertise

Key figures

Beneficiaries: 235,000 people
Duration: 48 months 01/01/2015 - 01/2019
Budget: €1.338.348

Funding

Completed Programmes

Strengthening Civil Society for Improved Old Age Care in North Korea

This programme’s objective is to enable the Korean Federation for the Care of the Aged (KFCA) to strengthen its capacity as a ‘non-state’ actor to improve assistance to the aged, by developing its members skills as well as supporting its fundraising activities and communication campaigns...

Area of expertise

Key figures

Beneficiaries:3,162,298 people
Duration: 27 months 01/2014 - 03/2016
Budget: €666,000

Funding

Rehabilitation of the Paekhak Dong kindergarten following the floods in Rason City

TGH supports the rehabilitation of a kindergarten, following torrential rains that affected and caused extensive damage in the north of the country between 22 and 25 August 2015.

Area of expertise

Key figures

Beneficiaries: Around 120 children
Duration: 1 month 12/2015
Budget: €13 000

Funding

Embassy of UK in DPRK

Improving sustainable access to drinking water and sanitation facilities for the inhabitants of the city of Sohung Phase 2, North Hwanghae Province, DPRK

The project strives to improve sustainable access to drinking water and sanitation facilities for Sohung inhabitants in order to contribute to morbidity and mortality reduction amongst the most vulnerable populations of the DPRK.

Area of expertise

Key figures

Beneficiaries: 235,000 people
Duration: 10 months 03/2015 - 12/2015
Budget: €225,201

Funding

Improving access to drinking water and sanitation facilities for the inhabitants of the city of Sohung

Sohung, the administrative center of the North Hwanghae Province, has an outdated water network and insufficient sanitation infrastructure to provide adequate access to drinking water for the population of some areas of the city, especially in schools.

Area of expertise

Key figures

Duration: 24 months 11/2012 - 11/2014
9 months 04/2014 - 12/2014
Budget: K€448 SIDA
K€153 OXFAM HK

Funding

Improving the system of geriatric care for the elderly in the DPRK

- Purchase and delivery of medical equipment for the National Research Institute for Gerontology
- Organizing of training sessions in gerontology for health workers and medical students
- Awareness-raising on care of the aged through the creation and distribution of brochures

Area of expertise

Key figures

Beneficiaries:3,587,833 people
Duration: 6 months 06/2014 - 12/2014
Budget: €12,100

Funding

Ambassade de Pologne – Polish Aid

Improving food security of elderly people in retirement homes

The objective of this programme is to fight against malnutrition among the elderly, first through the distribution of food products in 24 retirement homes in the country.

Area of expertise

Key figures

Beneficiaries: 7,280 people
Duration: 18 months 03/2014 - 08/2015
Budget: €385,000

Funding:

Rehabilitation of the drinking waterworks damaged by typhoons in Kangwon Province in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea

On July 19 and 29, 2012, a series of typhoons hit the country, causing torrential and destructive rains and floods. The Provinces of Pyongyang (north and south) and Kangwon were the hardest hit.

Area of expertise

Key figures

Beneficiaries: 51 000 people
Duration: 16 months 09/2012 - 12/2013
Budget: €75,200

Funding

Improving the quality of food production in the farm of Juk San

Kangwon Province is one of the most vulnerable in DPRK. Supporting vegetable production in the co-op farm of Juk San ensures food diversification in the institutions relying on the popular distribution system.

Area of expertise

Key figures

Beneficiaries: 19 442 people
Duration:8 months 04/2013 - 12/2013
Budget: €200 000

Funding

Improvement and diversification of the meals served to children in social institutions in Daeane and Sariwon

Over the past two decades, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea has had to face many obstacles, being both subject to many natural disasters and to the deterioration of the economic situation. The country experienced chronic food insecurity, especially due to the limited amount of protein and fat intake.

Area of expertise

Key figures

Beneficiaries: 16 385 people
Duration:14 months 08/2012 - 10/2013
Budget: €140 000

Funding

Improvement and diversification of meals served to children in social institutions

One of the elements of the food crisis presently striking the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is the lack of proteins in the food. This nutritional deficiency particularly affects young children between 0 and 6 years old (11% of the population) whose specific nutritional needs can't be covered.

Area of expertise

Key figures

Duration: 46 months 01/2010 - 10/2013
Budget: K€1,026

Funding

On July 22, 2010,

Torrential rains* flooded the dikes along Songchon river and inflicted major damage, especially in the areas of Yonggwang and Sinhung where TGH has been operating since 2010.

Area of expertise

Key figures

Budget: €100 000 & €175 000

Funding

Supporting food security in children institutions relying on milk and fish farms in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea

For several years now, TGH has been supporting fish farms supplying children institutions.

Area of expertise

Key figures

Duration: 10 months 04/2012 – 02/2013
Budget: €200 000

Funding

Supporting food security in children institutions depending on Sariwon and Deaene farms in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea

This program completes the previous. It intends to improve milk production in the farms supplying children institutions, the aim being in fine to increase the children's daily nutritional intake.

Area of expertise

Key figures

Duration: 7 months 08/2011 - 02/2012
Budget: €100,000

Funding

Improving Consumption of Milk and Dairy Produce inside Institutions for Children

Specific objective: Improve consumption of milk and dairy products inside institutions for children attached to Sariwon and Daeane farms.

Area of expertise

Key figures

Duration: 36 months 11/2010 - 11/2013)
Budget: K€1,390

Funding

Participation in the rehabilitation of the protection infrastructures of the aquaculture farms of Sinhung and Yonggwang in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea

The interventions were normal until the month of July 2010, when heavy rains affected the production and damaged some installations in the two fish farms.

Area of expertise

Key figures

Beneficiaries: 10 311 people
Duration: 12 months 06/2010 - 05/2011
Budget: €99,075

Funding

Sustainable improvement of the sanitary environment in Munchon

The city of Munchon is located on the East coast of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), and counts 42 500 inhabitants. In the 60's, a water network had been achieved by the government, but, because of a lack of maintenance and means, the network has become totally obsolete and presents numerous dysfunctions.

Area of expertise

Key figures

Duration: 24 months 01/2010 - 10/2011
Budget: K€417

Funding

Improve Access to Better Quality Water for the Population of Munchon

Background and relevance of project: Munchon city, with a population of 42,500, is located on the coast of North Korea. In the sixties, the government built a water network, however, owing to lack of maintenance and means, the network has become obsolete and inoperative.

Area of expertise

Key figures

Beneficiaries: 9 200 people
Duration: 22 months 07/2009 - 04/2011
Budget: K€399

Funding

Improvement of the potable water network in Munchon

As part of the water and sanitation projects carried out by TGH in this city of 50,000 inhabitants, we performed a new assessment in October 2008. Our aim was to complete the technical documentation about improving and extending the water network; indeed, several areas of Munchun are still not connected.

Area of expertise

Key figures

Duration: 15 months 10/2008 - 12/2009
Budget: K€8

Funding

German embassy in North Korea

Food aid in the framework of the Polder rehabilitation scheme

In terms of Triangle's technical and equipment help, the works stage (rehabilitation of outer dike, construction of inner dikes) is almost over.

Area of expertise

Key figures

Duration: 7 months 12/2008 - 06/2009
Budget: K€300

Funding

Increase of the food production potential in South Pyongan province. Rehabilitation of Kumsong polder and reinforcement of the Polders Firm's* capabilities.

This programme aims to develop the potential of food production in South Pyongan province by rehabilitating the Kumsong polder and strengthening the capabilities of the Polders Company.

*National firm in charge of rehabilitating and maintaining the polders.

Area of expertise

Key figures

Beneficiaries: 5 320 people
Duration: 31 months 12/2006 - 08/2009
Budget: K€2,111

Funding

Support to the federation for protection of elderly people

This project extends a programme launched in 2004 that rehabilitated six retirement homes in the various provinces of North Korea and significantly improved the living conditions of the elderly people in the homes.

Area of expertise

Key figures

Duration: 24 months 01/2007 - 03/2009
Budget: K€130

Funding

Additional Rehabilitation of the Waterworks System in Munchon Town (42,000 inhabitants).

After two projects dedicated to the rehabilitation of pumping and backflow systems and the increase of the water storage area (the new reservoir of 1000 cubic metres multiplied the original storage capacity by two), we are now working on rehabilitation of the waterworks in Munchon.

Area of expertise

Key figures

Beneficiaries: 42 000 people
Duration: 7 months 12/2006 - 06/2007
Budget: K€311

Funding

Support to Elderly People with No Families - Phase II

In the first phase of this project we rehabilitated three "old people's homes". During phase two, Triangle modernised three other homes and continued assisting "Help Age DPRK". This North Korean agency dedicated to helping elderly people recently became a federation named KFCA

Area of expertise

Key figures

Duration: 18 months 07/2005 - 12/2006
Budget: K€520 + K€70

Funding

Rehabilitation of the Drinking Waterworks System in Munchon and its Surroundings

Our aim was to increase the quality and quantity of drinking water in the town of Munchon (42,000 inhabitants).

Area of expertise

Key figures

Beneficiaries: 42,000 people
Duration: 20 months 11/2004 - 06/2006
Budget: K€500

Funding

Support to Elderly People with No Families - Phase I

In North Korea, there are 24 homes specialising in care for elderly people who do not have any family support.

Area of expertise

Key figures

Duration: 12 months 07/2004 - 06/2005
Budget: K€359

Funding

Reforestation and Protection of the Environment in South Pyongyang and South Hwangae Province (Phase II)

This second phase of the project worked on three new nurseries while developing skills and techniques in the first three tree nurseries designed by Triangle in 2003.

Area of expertise

Key figures

Duration: 12 months (January to December 2005)
Budget: 218 K€

Funding

Rehabilitation of Polders in South Pyongyang Province

In the 70s, aiming to increase farmable areas, the Korean authorities developed the west coast's large river deltas in Polders.

Area of expertise

Key figures

Duration: 24 months + 12 months 06/2002 - 06/2005
Budget: K€2,760

Funding

Réhabilitation de pépinières et formation du personnel, reforestation et protection de l'environnement (phase I)

This is project was the third of its type to be organised by Triangle in North Korea.

Area of expertise

Key figures

Duration: 12 months (January to December 2004)
Budget: K€227

Funding

Rehabilitation of the Drinking Waterworks and Sanitation Systems in South Pyongyang Province

Main aims: Increase the quality and quantity of drinking water in rural areas by rehabilitating current installations. Reduce sanitary and hygiene-related risks through hygiene-awareness campaigns.

Area of expertise

Key figures

Duration: 12 months 11/2003 - 10/2004
Budget: 492 K€

Funding

Logistics Support on the Site of the Ryongchon Rail Catastrophe

In the aftermath of the rail catastrophe that took place on April 22 2004 in Ryongchon, Triangle supplied over 10 tons of soap and 4 tons of soybean oil. This aid was given in priority to homeless victims and the inhabitants of Ryongchon.

Area of expertise

Key figures

Duration: 2 months (May to June 2004)
Budget: K€10

Funding

Reforestation and Protection of the Environment in South Pyongyang and South Hwangae Provinces (Phase I)

This project prolonged Triangle's programme in support of the reforestation centre of South Pyongyang province. It involved rehabilitation of three tree nurseries and protection of the environment.

Area of expertise

Key figures

Duration: 12 months (January to December 2003)
Budget: K€218

Funding

Insulation Works in Schools and Dispensaries in 8 Coop Farms

This project extended our action in the cooperative farms where Triangle had begun working in 2001.

Area of expertise

Key figures

Duration: 10 months 09/2002 - 08/2003
Budget: K€300

Funding

Last updated April 06, 2017

Can aid workers in North Korea help improve local human rights? | NK News - North Korea News

Can aid workers in North Korea help improve local human rights?

The complex demands of humanitarian protection are even more complex when in the DPRK

Nazanin Zadeh-Cummings

July 13th, 2017

The most common examples of humanitarian aid include deliveries of food aid, relief supplies, nutritional supplements, and medicines, as well as the dispatching of healthcare workers, disaster risk reduction experts, and others with knowledge that can help communities heal while building capacity.

But less tangible facets of humanitarian aid exist as well, and humanitarian protection is an example of this. Referred to sometimes simply as “protection”, it involves actions that aim to ensure that a population’s human rights are respected.

For example, let’s say a government has chosen to house individuals from a community displaced by flooding in a state-run shelter until they can safely return to their homes, and may decide to give priority to community members from the majority ethnic group, excluding minorities and forcing them to find alternative housing options.

Protection activities could include lobbying the government to adhere to its human rights commitments, supporting legislation that codifies government responsibilities, educating communities on their rights and options if those rights are violated, and sponsoring peace-building activities aimed at reducing the risk of violence.

This is not an exhaustive list of protection activities, and humanitarians may incorporate protection into other areas of their work in an attempt to build resilience and capacity.

PROTECTING NORTH KOREANS?

Humanitarians working in North Korea are not able to denounce human rights abuses at the hands of the government without jeopardizing their access to the country. Unlike in other contexts, humanitarians do not work with local civil society counterparts, as there is no grassroots, organized civil society in the DPRK to speak of – such groups would detract from the regime’s ability to maintain control.

A long-standing debate among DPRK watchers, experts, activists, and aid workers considers which is more effective: remaining silent and delivering aid, or denouncing human rights violations and pursuing other activities such as smuggling information into the DPRK, raising awareness in other countries, or providing support to defectors.

Additional systemic barriers to protection include government resistance to outside groups influencing policy and a lack of enforcement of existing laws. The North Korean regime does not welcome outside criticism or suggestions on how to run their country, and certainly not from humanitarian agencies or in the realm of human rights.

The regime does seem to recognize the importance of human rights on the international stage, and even has some human rights laws codified in its constitution. These include freedom of speech, of the press, of assembly, of religious beliefs, and of movement.

In practice, none of these freedoms are respected.

Humanitarians working in North Korea are not able to denounce human rights abuses

The reality of the situation in the DPRK would appear to suggest that humanitarian protection activities would be nonexistent in North Korea. However, a small number of agencies have found space to engage in protection activities alongside the DPRK government.

What is more productive: delivering aid on the ground, or working to change the country from the outside? | Photo by Roman Harak

LAYING THE GROUNDWORK

Handicap International, an NGO with full-time resident international staff in the DPRK since 2001, works to support the Korean Federation for the Protection of the Disabled (KFPD). The KFPD was founded in 1998, and is connected to the Ministry of Public Health. It is one of a number of ‘civil society’ organizations in the DPRK – given this moniker by the government, the groups are still effectively state bodies.

The DPRK’s use of ‘civil society’ and even ‘NGO’ to describe these bodies demonstrates that the authorities perceive these terms to be positive for the image of the groups. A major achievement for Handicap International’s partnership with the KFPD came in 2003, when Handicap International supported the adoption of the Law on Protection of Disabled People.

The passing of this law should not be overstated or misunderstood – North Koreans with disabilities continue to face adverse conditions, and reports on mistreatment of people with disabilities range from claims that they cannot live in Pyongyang to allegations of the government forcibly moving children with disabilities into camps. However, the government’s decision to allow an international NGO to have be involved in the passing of a domestic law is notable.

Handicap International works to support KFPD and build KFPD’s capacity. According to the Handicap International website, Handicap International and the KFPD have projects aiming to boost provincial capabilities as well as train and build KFPD project management capacities. In this case, the DPRK is not only accepting NGO assistance, but permitting a foreign group to help shape a domestic body.

The provincial level involvement demonstrates that both parties see the benefit of equipping lower levels of government with tools to better assist North Koreans with disabilities. The KFPD maintains relationships with other NGOs as well, such as the World Federation of the Deaf. The Federation signed an agreement in 2011 with the KFPD, with the aim of promoting the creation of a national association for the deaf in the DPRK, as well as focusing on improving living conditions for deaf people.

This is notable not because it is widespread, but because it allows some insight into the priorities of the authorities

Triangle Generation Humanitaire (TGH) is another residential NGO that has had an office in the DPRK since 2000. Like Handicap International, TGH partners with a North Korean ‘NGO’ – the Korean Federation for Care of the Aged (KFCA). TGH supports KFCA to increase KFCA’s ability to provide for the elderly in homes and through service centers. Activities have included bringing KFCA staff members to visit a similar organization in Beijing, participating in conferences in Indian and Thailand, and building project management skills.

These cases are not indicative of a larger trend of NGOs being involved in protection activities. They are, however, notable examples of what kind of work is possible in the DPRK. Such projects show the growth of depth and opportunity for humanitarian engagement since projects first began in 1995.

Critics may point out that simply working with an organization that purports to help a vulnerable population is not, in fact, a guarantee that the population will benefit. This is a valid argument. But the DPRK’s willingness to allow these liaisons to happen at all is worth reflecting upon. Why would the DPRK allow even minor protection activities unless the authorities believed there was a benefit?

Some international NGOs are working with local partners | Photo by Feed My Starving Children (FMSC)

ROOM FOR GROWTH?

The NGOs mentioned above have found space, however small, to work on advancing human rights and improving life for vulnerable populations. This is notable not because it is widespread, but because it allows some insight into the priorities of the authorities.

The North Korean ‘NGOs’ are clearly viewed as important enough to warrant partnerships with international NGOs. Both the KFPD and the KFCA work with specific segments of the population. People with disabilities and the elderly are often considered vulnerable populations in other contexts, which may have influenced the DPRK’s decision to allow protection activities in those areas.

The DPRK’s willingness to allow these liaisons to happen at all is worth reflecting upon

Human rights activists may regard engaging in humanitarian protection as simply another way of supporting the regime. Such critics would likely point out that the North Korean ‘NGOs’ are still governmental in nature, and that knowledge transfer and passage of laws may not have an effect on normal people’s lives.

Humanitarians that strongly believe in delivering aid to the North Korean people may also be wary of attempting to begin protection projects, for fear of jeopardizing their access. So while it is unlikely that humanitarian protection will become a popular area of engagement, it is worth watching how existing partnerships evolve.

Edited by Oliver Hotham

Featured Image: North Korea - Children searching for food by Roman Harak on 2011-09-09 09:39:51

North Korea aid agencies 'hit by US sanctions' - BBC News

North Korea aid agencies 'hit by US sanctions' - BBC News

North Korea aid agencies 'hit by US sanctions'

23 May 2013

Image captionAid agencies say their operations are crucial for North Koreans suffering persistent food shortages

Korea crisis
What is known about N Korea's purge?
North Korea's way with extreme insults
Image gallery In pictures: Purge of Chang Song-thaek
What does purge say about North Korea's stability?

Foreign aid agencies in North Korea say US financial sanctions are severely restricting their operations there.

Six European agencies say foreign banks are no longer transferring money to North Korea's Foreign Trade Bank, which is being targeted by the US Treasury.

The agencies say their projects to support nutrition and agriculture in the country will be affected.

A North Korean envoy has told Chinese officials that his country is ready for dialogue following months of tension.

"North Korea lauds China's enormous efforts to maintain peace and stability on the Korean peninsula and... is willing to accept China's suggestion to have talks with all parties," envoy Choe Ryong-hae was quoted as saying by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.

But there is no indication when or where talks - which have been in stalemate since 2009 - could take place.
'Cascade effect'

The aid agencies - Save the Children, Concern Worldwide, Handicap International, Welthungerhilfe, PMU-AMI and Triangle Generation Humanitaire - run a range of aid projects in North Korea, supporting nutrition for children and agriculture in a country that suffers from persistent food shortages.

They say their work is being hit hard by a US financial squeeze that was imposed in addition to the more specific sanctions adopted by the UN Security Council.

The agencies have been funding their operations through the Korean Trade Bank, North Korea's main conduit for foreign exchange.

That bank is now being targeted by the US Treasury, which says it supports North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes.

The move has had a cascade effect, says the BBC's Asia Pacific editor Charles Scanlon, with international banks including the Bank of China shunning North Korea for fear of running foul of the US financial system.

The European Union has angered Washington by resisting formal sanctions, citing concern about the aid agencies.

But that has made little difference to the flow of funds, and some of the agencies are now resorting to carrying in cash from China.

But representatives warn they will not be able to sustain their operations for long that way.

15 세계 추이에 역행하는 북한 간척지 개발

세계 추이에 역행하는 북한 간척지 개발

홈페이지 | 주간프로 | 주성하의 서울살이
세계 추이에 역행하는 북한 간척지 개발
주성하-탈북자, 동아일보 기자
2015-04-03

사진은 북한이 용매도 간석지라고 소개한 현장 전경.
사진-연합뉴스 제공
K040315CO-SH.mp3

00:00/00:00

사랑하는 북녘동포 여러분 안녕하십니까. 제가 북에서 배울 때 북한의 면적은 12만 몇 천㎢, 남한의 면적은 9만 몇 천㎢로 배웠습니다. 그런데 지금은 그게 사실이 아닙니다. 한국의 면적은 이미 10만㎢가 넘었습니다. 땅이 저절로 커질 리는 만무하겠죠. 이렇게 늘어난 가장 중요한 이유는 서해안에 간석지를 개발했기 때문입니다. 흔히 간석지와 간척지란 말을 헛갈리기 쉬운데 간석지는 개발 이전의 갯벌을 뜻하는 말이고, 간척지는 개발이 된 갯벌이란 뜻입니다.

지금 한국의 간척지 총 면적은 13만 정보 정도 된다고 합니다. 북에서 1981년에 김일성이 4대 자연개조사업을 제시하면서 30만 정보 간석지 개간을 목표로 했는데, 발전된 한국이 13만 정보 정도 개간한 것을 보면 30만 정보는 정말 황당한 목표 같습니다. 과거 못살던 시절엔 남이나 북이나 간석지 개발에 엄청 신경을 썼습니다. 먹을 게 없으니 곡식을 심어먹는 땅이 최고였던 것입니다. 한국도 1970년대에 간척농지를 40만 정보 개발할 것을 국가 주요 목표로 정했습니다.

그냥 쓸모없는 갯벌을 개간해 벼를 심을 수 있는 논으로 만든다니 참 좋은 구상이 아니겠습니까. 한국의 간척지 중에서 제일 규모가 큰 것이 전라북도 군산에 있는 새만금 간척지인데 면적이 4만 정보 정도 됩니다. 이 간척지를 개발하기 위해 만든 방조제의 길이는 무려 33.9㎞인데, 세계에서 제일 긴 방조제로 기네스북에도 올랐다고 합니다. 바다를 막은 85리나 되는 긴 제방을 한번 상상해 보십시오. 남포갑문 건설이 저리가라 할 정도로 대공사였죠. 마지막 가뭄막이 공사 때 아무리 집채 같은 바위를 넣어도 계속 물살에 밀려 나갔습니다. 그래서 정주영 현대그룹 회장이 폐기해야 할 길이 300미터가 넘는 20만 톤급 유조선 한 척을 몰고 와 통째로 가라앉혀 물길을 막은, 지금까지도 화제가 되는 일화가 있습니다.

이렇게 남쪽도 열심히 간척지를 만들었는데, 불과 20년 만에 상황이 완전히 반전됐습니다. 이제는 개간했던 간척지를 다시 갯벌로 돌리기 위해 그렇게 어렵게 만든 방파제를 다시 허물자는 목소리가 압도적 다수입니다. 여론 조사를 했더니 간척지를 갯벌로 복원해야 한다는 응답이 무려 92.4%나 됐습니다. 그래서 방파제를 실제로 허물기 시작한 곳도 있고요. 한때 갯벌을 메워 좁은 국토를 조금이라도 늘이기 위한 국토 대개조이자 인간 승리의 사례로까지 홍보됐던 간척 사업에 왜 이런 급작스러운 여론 변화가 일어났을까요.

그 해답은 여러 이유가 있겠지만, 가장 큰 이유 중 하나는 쌀값에 있습니다. 이제는 간척지를 만들어 쌀을 생산할 이유가 없다는 것입니다. 한국 국내 쌀 소비량은 점점 줄어들어 벼농사를 짓던 농민들이 돈을 못 번다고 아우성입니다. 있는 논밭도 농사로는 수지가 맞지 않다고 놀리는데, 간척지에 굳이 벼농사를 지을 이유가 사라진 것입니다. 20년 전에는 논 100정보에 쌀농사를 지으면 46억 원 즉 400만 달러 정도의 수입을 올릴 수 있었는데, 지금은 200만 달러 정도밖에 못 법니다. 모든 것이 다 값이 비싸졌는데 쌀값은 오히려 반으로 떨어진 것입니다.

반면 갯벌의 가치는 점점 더 높아지고 있는데 갯벌 100정보는 500만 달러가 넘는 가치가 있는 것으로 평가됩니다. 갯벌에선 낙지, 바지락, 굴과 같은 해산물을 채취할 수 있습니다. 또 제방으로 막으면 안에서 물이 썩어서 오염돼 철새 도래지가 사라집니다. 이런 환경적 문제도 심각합니다. 지금까지 간척지 사업으로 국내 갯벌 면적은 20%나 줄어들었습니다. 그리고 이제야 남쪽은 알게 된 것입니다. 쌀이 문제가 아니라 자연이 중요하다는 것을 말입니다. 쌀이 모자라면 중국에서 사올 수도 있고, 미국에서 사올 수도 있습니다. 논은 세계 다른 나라에도 많지만, 우리의 갯벌은 어디서 사올 수도 없습니다. 지금 남북한의 간석지와 이와 붙은 중국 동부 연안의 간석지는 세계에서 가장 면적이 넓은 간석지 지역입니다. 북한의 간석지 면적은 한국보다 더 많습니다.

제가 한국의 간척지 이야기를 하는 이유는, 남쪽에서 실패를 깨닫고 다시 되돌리려는 간석지 개간이 북한에선 여전히 중요한 국가적 과제로 추진되고 있기 때문입니다. 지금 대계도 간석지, 용매도 간석지, 홍건도 간석지 등에서 여전히 방조제 공사가 진행되고 있습니다. 이건 분명 잘못된 일입니다. 머잖아 한국처럼 북한도 후회하게 될 것입니다. 더구나 북한은 돈도 없지 않습니까. 굳이 막대한 자원과 인력, 자금을 투자해 간척지를 만들 필요가 없습니다. 그럴 인력이면 도로나 철도를 건설하는 것이 훨씬 낫습니다.

갯벌 복원은 한국에서만 이뤄지는 것이 아닙니다. 한국은 오히려 늦었습니다. 전 국토의 95%가 간척지인 네덜란드는 1980년대 초반부터 해마다 수천 만 달러를 투자해 제방을 허물고 갯벌을 복원하고 있고, 이웃 일본도 갯벌 유지가 우선입니다. 한국이나 해외에서 잘못된 사례로 평가되고 있는 간석지를 계속 개간하고 있다는 것은 북한 지도자들이 멀리 내다보는 혜안도 없고, 남의 교훈을 받아들일 줄도 모른다는 것을 증명합니다.

지금 북한에 식량이 부족한 것은 간척지 개발이 안돼서가 아닙니다. 있는 논밭도 비료가 없고 농기계가 없어 소출이 매우 적기 때문입니다. 그런 문제를 체제 개혁과 개방으로 해결해야지 간척지나 늘이면 뭘 합니까. 그 간척지에서 소금기를 빼내고 벼를 심을 때쯤이면 아마 북한은 더 이상 배고픈 나라가 아닐 수 있습니다.

북한 당국은 지금이라도 간척지 개간을 중단하길 바랍니다. 차라리 그 갯벌을 활용해 해산물을 생산해 외국에 팔아야 합니다. 그게 얼마나 후대들에게 소중한 자연인지 제발 세상 어떻게 돌아가는지 좀 보고 정치를 하라고 김정은과 북한 간부들에게 다시 한번 진심어린 충고를 해봅니다. 지금까지 서울에서 주성하였습니다.

첨단 한반도: 한반도 간척사업

첨단 한반도: 한반도 간척사업

첨단 한반도: 한반도 간척사업

2007-03-20

인쇄
공유
댓글
이메일

k032007fe-kl.mp3

00:00/00:00

한반도는 국토면적의 3분의 2가 산악으로 이뤄져서 농경지 등 경제적으로 이용 가능한 토지가 절대적으로 부족한 상황입니다. 그러나 한반도 서해안은 간만의 차이가 커서 갯벌이 잘 발달되어 있고 또 해안선의 굴곡이 심해 간척사업을 통해 귀중한 토지를 적은 비용으로 확보할 수 있는 아주 좋은 여건을 가추고 있습니다.
방송듣기
Download story audio

남한 한국농촌공사의 박종찬 대단위설계팀장은 특히 북한에서는 부족한 농경지를 이러한 간척사업을 통해 확보할 수 있으며, 북한에서 확산되고 있는 다락밭 보다는 더 큰 경제적 이점을 가지고 있다고 말합니다. 박종찬 팀장의 얘기를 들어봅니다.

일반적으로 간척사업은 바다를 육지로 만드는 사업으로 알고 있는데 간척사업이 어떤 것인지 설명해 달라.

간척사업은 바다에 조석의 영향으로 노출되는 갯벌을 토지 이용목적으로 방조제를 축조해서 갯벌을 용도에 맞게 이용하는 것을 간척사업이라고 한다.

전 세계적으로 간척사업을 통해 토지를 확보하는 나라들이 많이 있나?

간척사업을 벌이는 지역은 지형적인 요건 때문에 그리 많지 않다. 아시아 지역에 많이 있고, 유럽에는 네덜란드 정도이다.

한반도에서도 간척사업이 많이 벌어지는 것으로 알려졌는데?

한반도는 전 세계적으로 봤을 때 간척사업을 벌이기에는 최적지이다. 조석의 간만이 크고 수심이 얕다. 또 섬들이 많아서 공사비를 적게 드리고 많을 땅을 확보할 수 있기 때문이다.

아무리 토지가 귀하다 하더라도 바다를 흙으로 메 꿔서 하는 이런 대대적인 공사가 경제적으로 타당성이 있나?

일반적으로 공사비용이 많이 든다고 인식하고 있는데 그렇지 않다. 예를 들어 육지에 공장을 짓는다고 할 때 그 평당 단가가 상당히 높다. 그러나 간척사업을 통해 이를 토지로 사용할 경우 상당히 싼 가격에 넓을 땅을 확보할 수 있기 때문에 경제적으로 타산이 맞지 않는다는 것은 정확하지 않다.

북한에서도 간척사업이 많이 이뤄지고 있나?

그렇다 지금 현재 정확한 정보는 없지만 과거 자료를 보면 북한도 간만의 차이가 크고 간조 때 드러나는 갯벌이 많기 때문에 간척사업을 많이 한 것으로 알고 있다.

북한에서 간척사업을 통해 확보된 토지는 지금까지 어느 정도 되나?

확실한 정보는 아니지만 94년 말 북한의 간척사업 업적을 보면 약6만4천 헥타를 간척한 것으로 나타나있다.

간척사업을 통해 확보된 토지는 주로 어떤 용도로 사용되고 있나?

남한의 경우 과거 농경지 목적으로 간척사업을 많이 했다. 그 이유는 60년대 초 식량이 부족했기 때문이다. 그러나 80년, 90년 이후로는 산업의 발달로 도시에 있던 농경지가 모두 잠식됐다. 그래서 농경지가 상당히 부족했다. 90년대까지는 농경지 목적으로 간척사업을 벌여왔다.

최근에도 간척사업을 통해 이뤄놓은 땅을 농경지로 사용하는가?

현재 대규모 간척사업의 경우 농경지 목적은 아니고 해안가 산업단지 조성이나 공장 확장 등 산업용지로 간척사업을 벌이고 있다.

아무래도 바다를 메워서 만든 땅이라서 염분이 많을 텐데 농사가 가능한가?

그렇다. 갯벌에 막 바로 농사를 짓지 못한다. 염분이 많기 때문에 무나 배추 등의 작물들은 맞지가 않는다. 그러나 쌀과 같은 농작물들은 염분피해에 강한 특징을 가지고 있다. 그래서 간척 후 2-3년 정도는 벼가 잘 자랄 수 있다. 그러나 밭작물의 경우는 시간이 좀 지나야 한다.

북한에서는 농경지가 부족해서 산으로 올라가 다락밭을 만드는 경우가 늘고 있는데 경제성을 볼 때 간척지에 농사를 짓는 것과 다락밭을 조성하는 것 중 어느 것이 더 효율적인가?

다락 논은 농업을 하는데 비용이 많이 든다. 노동력이 많이 들어가기 때문에 경제적으로 맞지 않고 간척사업 지구가 있다면 그곳에 대규모 농지를 조성해 영농 기구를 사용한다면 타산이 맞을 것이라고 본다.

워싱턴-이규상
© 2007 Radio Free Asia