Haenyeo gained a national designation last year. Now, the province is making efforts to have them named a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. Their addition would be the first time for the organization to add two examples of heritage from one region to the list, as Jeju’s stone walls are already on it. Analysts say there’s a good chance for the women divers, but that work remains. Mike Balfour reports.
Jeju’s female sea divers, or haenyeo have made a living from the sea for a long time.
The province is making an effort to have haenyeo added to globally renowned lists.
Haenyeo were added to Korea’s Nationally Important Marine Heritage list at the end of last year.
The island is aiming to have them added to the UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list this year and to the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization at the end of 2017.
There was a workshop held to find ways to have haenyeo added to the UN FAO’s Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System.
Specialists highly appreciate the environmental value of haenyeo.
They say the haenyeo are a good example of work ethics because they know how to harmonize with nature and do no harm.
Specialists also say there is a high possibility of the global designation for the female divers.
INTERVIEW
Akira Nagata / UN University Institute for Sustainability and Peace
‘Haenyeo’ are notable for the unique rules they follow and the for the fact that they don’t damage the environment.
<인터뷰: 아키라 나가타/ UN 지속가능성 고등연구소 학술부장>
"해녀들만의 규칙을 지키면서 자연을 파괴하지 않는 작업 방식은 상당히 큰 의미가 있다."
However, specialists emphasize that a great deal of effort is required for the addition of haenyeo to the global list.
Especially, the island needs to analyze the value of haenyeo and properly manage Jeju stone walls, that are already included in the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System.
These are important factors when deciding whether or not the UN FAO adds the female divers to its list.
INTERVIEW
Mingky Wien / Chinese Academy of Geological Science
How the island manages the stone walls will be assessed when the UN FAO assesses the women divers. The evaluation is not only about ‘haenyeo.’
<인터뷰: 밍키웬/ 중국과학원 지리과학부 자원연구소>
"지금 지정된 제주밭담을 잘 관리를 해줘야 해녀에 대한 평가 점수도 높아집니다. 제주 해녀 하나만으로 판단되는 것이 아닙니다."
Seoul promises to support the island’s effort and, when needed, provide funding.
INTERVIEW
Yang Yeong-jin / \Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
We will provide continued managerial support to help obtain the designation. We will help with the budget and policies as well as requests for funding.
<인터뷰: 양영진/ 해양수산부 어촌어항과장>
"세계유산으로 등재하기 위해서 관리하기 위한 예산·정책적 지원을 계속해 나갈 것이고요. 예산 확보도 지속해서 하고, 추가로도 더 할 예정입니다."
[REPORTER]
Mike Balfour
Now, extensive preparation is required to garner support for recognition of the value of haenyeo.
Mike Balfour KCTV