The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a 160-mile-long by 2.5-mile-wide strip of land that splits the Korean Peninsula in half. It was established in 1953 as a buffer zone between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) and the Republic of Korea (South Korea). There is an official meeting post near the western end of the DMZ where negotiations take place. And while there is meant to be no military presence within the DMZ, both sides of the border are known to be among the most heavily militarized borders on the planet. As set up by the armistice committee that negotiated the DMZ, two settlements were allowed to remain: Kijŏng-dong (Peace Village) from North Korea, and Tae Sung Dong (Freedom Village) from South Korea.

The United Nations governs these two small villages, which are home to only a few hundred people. Because the DMZ is so isolated from human activity, an amazing phenomenon has occurred there. The DMZ has become what environmentalist Bruce Sterling describes as an “involuntary park.” This means that since the zone is no longer inhabited by people, it has returned to its feral state. One of the most famous examples of this is the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, which has seen a reintroduction of vast vegetation, wolves, bears, and even the endangered Przewalski’s horse. The DMZ is now considered one of the best-preserved natural temperate habitats in the world. It is home to thousands of species of plants and animals, many of which are endangered. It is even rumored that the critically endangered Amur leopard and Siberian tiger may inhabit the DMZ.

Because of the unique conditions of the DMZ, environmentalists have been granted access to study and protect the species found in this involuntary park. One such organization is the KT DMZ Ecological Conservation Group, which is particularly interested in educating children to become future stewards of the environment. They have partnered with Econau, a partner of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), to bring environmental education programs to students. Part of this partnership includes fostering a close relationship with Daeseong Elementary School in Freedom Village.

With only 29 students and even fewer staff, the KT DMZ Ecological Conservation Group has found a group eager to participate in their programs. In October 2024, the KT DMZ Ecological Conservation Group led an excursion with the entire staff and student body of the school that combined the science of ecology and the technology of drones. Students and staff first had the chance to learn about many of the migratory birds that visit the DMZ. Then they were trained on how to use drones to feed these birds. This event, sponsored by the KT DMZ Ecological Conservation Group, served a twofold purpose: the students got to learn about the unique animals of the DMZ while also being introduced to technology that is shaping the future economic landscape.

Before being able to feed the birds with the drones, the children had to fully understand the mechanics and operations of the drones. They got to manipulate “soccer drones,” which are drones in cages used for drone soccer, a sport invented by students at South Korea’s CAMTIC Institute of Technology. Given the remote location of the school, these types of opportunities are rare. By utilizing drone technology with the students, the KT DMZ Ecological Conservation Group showed the children the possibilities of embracing this technology for their future careers.

Another organization working to protect the DMZ as a nature reserve is the DMZ Ecology Research Institute, directed by Kim Seung-ho. He and many other conservationists are currently trying to have the DMZ officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They fear that people will one day return to the DMZ, which could damage the natural progression that has taken place there. “I can’t help but worry that this area will face a serious threat,” Mr. Seung-ho said. “If we had preserved the region because we agreed it’s environmentally valuable, then it can be kept intact regardless of political circumstances. But this region was preserved because of the presence of military forces. Once the military tension disappears, it may naturally follow that people feel a strong urge to transform the area.” While the reduction of military tensions would be ideal, for those hoping to see the DMZ maintain its natural beauty, the land must first be protected.

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