Transplanted Ohioan living in the rad city of Austin, Texas. I'm 20, paleo, pansexual, revolutionary, and an Aquarius. From politics and current events, to zoology and spirituality, my blog is a collection of anything and everything on this lovely planet. Ready to explore the world?
Reblogged from foreverliberal
Save Jeju Island!
Jeju Island has been called a “Korean paradise”. It’s been named as one of the 7 natural wonders of the wonder, it’s a UNESCO Global Geosite, and out of 66 UNESCO Geoparks, 9 are on Jeju Island. It’s magical and unique — and it’s now being threatened.
On Jeju Island, there is a unique balance between women and men that causes it to be called Women’s Island, and between people and nature, which has earned it the nickname, Peace Island. But it’s not so peaceful anymore, as the South Korean government has started to build a massive naval base and launching pad for ballistic missiles right in the middle of a village. By law, the US has access to all of its bases. Although almost all of the villagers voted against the base, the South Korean government has gone ahead with it —construction is happening right now, and if we don’t stand in the way of it soon, it might be too late.
The base is being built near an environmentally protected area and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The South Korean Navy has said that endangered species will be moved and the coral beds will be constituted again, but scientists say that this is impossible. The colossal amounts of cement with kill all marine life, and the sunlight will be blocked for other ocean species. Signals from the submarines will cause harsh deaths to whales. And the life that comes with living near a military base — increased violence and cancer are some of the consequences — would be brought to this beautiful island that is ecologically, culturally, and spiritually unique.
There are many more locations for naval bases, but there is and will only ever be one Jeju Island.
Stand together with the brave protestors to save Jeju Island! Don’t let them run out of time!
Petition is here — http://www.thepetitionsite.com/2/Save-Jeju-Island/
^Everyone needs to sign this. I did some research on the island, and it really is quite unique. It’s often called a “Korean Hawai’i” in that the combination of volcanic rock, frequent rains, and a temperate climate create a diverse ecosystem. Tourists to the island will see the female divers, Haenyeo (해녀), that would hunt and collect fish, shellfish, and seaweed, supporting a large part of the family’s income. Another one of the islands most famous symbols are the Dolhareubang (돌하르방), stone statues that dot the landscape with faces that range from serious to comical. Home to many World Heritage Sites, voted as one of the new 7 natural wonders of the world, and containing quirky museums - from a teddy bear theme to a sex theme - Jeju island really is unlike any other place on Earth. Let’s save it. (All information found here.)
