Eco-Friendly Urban Ecological Agriculture Takes Root

Research is in full swing to establish eco-friendly urban ecological agriculture in the Suwon region by cultivating crops using diverse spaces such as riverbanks near downtown and vacant lots. The Suwon City Council's 'Urban Ecological Agriculture Activation Forum (Representative Councilor Park Jang-won)' is conducting a research project on methods to activate urban ecological agriculture starting this month. We examined the research implementation methods and subsequent progress based on outcomes. <Editor's Note>

● Expecting Eco-Friendly, Experience, and Educational Effects

Lee Won-young, director of Suwon University's Institute for Future Territory, who is conducting this research project, emphasizes urban ecological agriculture as a new concept of agriculture that revitalizes cities, and notes that demand for it is growing.

Director Lee explains that it is a form of agriculture that attracts attention from the perspective of citizens living in urban areas' demand for eco-friendly agriculture, as well as improved quality of life and wellness.

Additionally, there is an aspect that ecological agriculture can be utilized in natural observation learning and character education by allowing the younger generation to experience ecological agriculture.

● "Western Suwon Area Has Great Potential for Urban Ecological Agriculture"

According to the research initiation report, the western Suwon area was evaluated as a region with conditions to become a model urban agricultural ecological city nationwide.

Director Lee pointed out that western Suwon is the optimal location for urban ecological agriculture, citing the points that "while being close to downtown, it can possess vast flatlands and has a substantial population in its hinterland."

Plans have been presented to operate the area as weekend garden-type vegetable farming for self-sufficiency in food supply, youth emotional education, and elderly welfare programs, and furthermore, to operate an 'Ecological Agriculture Center'.

In particular, Director Lee proposed the area surrounding Hwangguji Stream as a candidate site for urban ecological agriculture, explaining that "if public lands around Hwangguji Stream are well utilized, they can be used for urban ecological agriculture."

● "Connectivity with Suwon's Urban Master Plan is an Issue to Resolve"

Director Lee also revealed that there are tasks to be resolved in order to promote urban ecological agriculture using land around the western Suwon area, particularly surrounding Hwangguji Stream. In particular, he pointed out the need to consider connectivity with the land use plan in the urban master plan being established by Suwon City.

Additionally, opinions were presented that the effort should not remain at just the research stage, but should continuously seek feasible ecological agriculture implementation methods.

In relation to this, Councilor Lee Jong-pil, a member of the forum, agreed, stating "if the area around Hwangguji Stream is designated as a hyroponics garden, farming activities cannot be conducted," and "how to resolve this part is the task at hand."

Along with this, the research will also address how to set the classes and ages of those participating in urban agriculture, whether to operate urban ecological farms through lease or sale, clear research on property rights (ownership) of the farms, and management and operation systems.

● Urban Agriculture Charter and Urban Agriculture Ordinance Enactment

Urban ecological agriculture research activities have begun in earnest, starting with survey visits to the current status of urban ecological agriculture in other local governments such as Seoul, Bucheon, and Goyang.

Additionally, field surveys will be conducted on candidate sites for urban ecological agriculture in the Suwon area, including the area surrounding Hwangguji Stream, and on demonstration project sites for ecological agriculture within the city. In particular, the establishment of an urban agriculture (civic agriculture) charter will be promoted for the first time among basic councils in Korea.

Furthermore, an interim report meeting around October and a public hearing to listen to residents' opinions are also being reviewed. Councilor Park Jang-won stated, "We are considering not only a public hearing but also a large-scale debate covering overall aspects including the establishment of urban ecological agriculture."

As a result of the research project, the enactment of Suwon City's urban agriculture ordinance (tentative name) is also being reviewed. This ordinance is planned to include differentiated content unique to the Suwon area through comparative examination with the status of urban ecological agriculture in other local governments such as Seoul City.

Along with this, the city will work on drafting task directives for 'Urban Agriculture Basic Concept' of Suwon City's Agricultural Technology Center next year, and will also promote the establishment of a master plan for Suwon's urban ecological agriculture.