Various monitoring and investigation projects have been implemented by domestic and international research institutes within the UNESCO Shinan Dadohae Biosphere Reserve (SDBR). For example, elements of the central and local governments, namely, the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs, Cultural Heritage Administration, Jeonnam Province, and
Shinan-gun, have conducted various projects such as the monitoring of tideland ecosystems, monitoring of specific islands, investigation of uninhabited islands, investigation of the national natural environment, investigation of humanities and social environment, and the investigation of historical cultural indictors. The tidal flat in Jeundo-myeon was designated as the Mud-Flat Provincial Park in June 2008. The tidal flats in the Bugeum-myeon and Docho-myeon areas are now in the process of being designated as wetland protected areas. Currently, various programs are being developed and implemented that allow students and citizens to experience and learn about the unique ecosystems, landscapes, historical relics, and culture of the Dadohae area. To this end, most of this activity has centered on university institutes and civil environmental groups. Especially, the NGOs in the area have established national networks through which to exchange regional monitoring data and operate a conservation strategy monitoring system for the tidal flats that constitute a key marine resource within the biosphere reserve area.
As such, attempts to bring about a sustainable society have included various monitoring efforts and studies designed to educate and convey the importance of marine ecosystems and the indigenous knowledge system of local residents at the industry-university collaboration level. The interest of overseas research institutes in this particular area has also increased. Members of the Bird Identification Association of Japan have regularly visited Hongdo and Heuksando twice a year as part of a joint study with the National Park Migratory Birds Center to investigate the migration route of migratory birds by attaching rings to these birds. Such continuous monitoring results can help to better understand changes in natural populations and changes in habitat environments. They also greatly contribute, based on migratory birds, to international networks between countries.
