Korea expands tidal flat interpreter training beyond Seoul for first time

The National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea has been designated as a training center for tidal flat ecology interpreters, expanding the program beyond Seoul for the first time and improving access for residents in the country's central and southern regions.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced Thursday that it had added the institute as the second accredited training center for tidal flat ecology interpreters.

Tidal flat ecology interpreters are certified professionals who explain the ecology of tidal flats as well as the history, culture and social context of surrounding communities to the public, with the aim of raising awareness about tidal flat conservation. Candidates must complete at least 80 hours of coursework at an accredited training center to obtain certification.

Until now, the Seoul Energy Dream Center was the only accredited training center, concentrating all instruction in the greater Seoul area and making it difficult for people in central and southern parts of the country to participate.

In response, the ministry designated the National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea, located in Seocheon-gun, South Chungcheong Province, as the second training center. The institute was selected for its suitable marine environment for tidal flat ecology education, along with professional instructors, dedicated facilities and equipment that enable systematic training.

Established in 2015 as a public institution under the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the institute collects, preserves and researches marine biological resources both domestically and internationally, and runs exhibitions and educational programs. It holds more than 560,000 marine specimens and operates Seaquarium, a dedicated exhibition facility, along with an education building and other specialized training infrastructure.

The institute plans to begin recruiting trainees in the second half of this year to certify new tidal flat ecology interpreters. A total of 55 interpreters have been certified to date.

Seo Jeong-ho, director general of the ministry's marine policy office, said the designation had "laid the educational foundation to train outstanding tidal flat ecology interpreters in the central and southern regions as well," adding that the ministry would "further invigorate tidal flat ecology education and interpretation services to raise public awareness of the ecological value of tidal flats."