Plants Thriving on Salt… National Institute of Biological Resources Hosts Special Exhibition

The National Institute of Biological Resources (Director Yoo Ho), under the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, announced that it will present the 'Plants Blooming on Salt' special exhibition from the 11th through next March in the Living Living Planning Exhibition Hall (located in Seo-hai-gu, Incheon).

This special exhibition was organized to introduce halophytes that live in salt-containing soil and organisms that maintain organic relationships in tidal flats, raising awareness of the value and importance of tidal flat ecosystems.

In particular, this exhibition includes participation by △POSCO E&C, △Korea Coast Guard, △World Vision, △Incheon Port Authority, △Incheon Community Chest of Korea, and △POSCO 1% Sharing Foundation. These companies and organizations have made efforts in restoring halophyte habitats and raising awareness of biodiversity. This special exhibition introduces their contribution activities and various efforts to protect biodiversity in coastal areas.

In this exhibition featuring a total of 26 species of halophytes, visitors can see large-scale models of four halophyte species including glasswort, pickleweed, sea asparagus, and saltwort, as well as immersive video displays of halophyte colonies and tidal flat organisms created using generative artificial intelligence (AI).

Additionally, specimens of fish such as mudskippers inhabiting tidal flats, invertebrates including fiddler crabs and clams, and birds such as spoonbills are on display, and visitors can also encounter live mangrove horseshoe crabs.

Unlike ordinary plants vulnerable to salt, halophytes possess unique survival strategies. The exhibition presents in an easy-to-understand manner the principles of how halophytes have adapted to survive in harsh environments. Additionally, through interactive digital experiences, visitors can plant halophytes themselves and indirectly experience biodiversity conservation activities that enrich tidal flat ecosystems.

Detailed information about the special exhibition can be found on the National Institute of Biological Resources website (nibr.go.kr) and official social media accounts.

Director Yoo Ho of the National Institute of Biological Resources stated, "I hope this exhibition will serve as an opportunity to understand the precious value of halophytes and tidal flats, and to reflect on how protecting one life also means protecting countless organisms and their habitats," adding, "The National Institute of Biological Resources will continue to share the value of biodiversity with the public and pursue research and practices for the conservation of biological resources and sustainable use."

천의현 대표이사 euihyun@suwonilbo.kr