Jijwa-dong Nature Conservation Council Holds July Meeting to Combat Population Decline

The Jicho-dong Natural Protection Association (chairperson Kang Geum-jah) convened a monthly meeting on July 21 at the administrative welfare center to address regional population decline and initiatives for revitalizing local community life, according to Gimcheon Internet News. The association, which focuses on environmental conservation, announced plans for a “population increase relay campaign” to counter demographic challenges facing the area.

The meeting included discussions on strategies to attract new residents and retain existing ones, with emphasis on improving local infrastructure and fostering community engagement. Kang Geum-jah, the association’s chairperson, stated that “sustaining population growth is crucial for maintaining the region’s cultural and economic vitality.” No specific details about the campaign’s implementation were disclosed in the report.

Local officials have previously highlighted population decline as a critical issue in rural areas of Gyeongsangbuk-do province, where Jicho-dong is located. According to a 2025 report by the Gyeongsangbuk-do Regional Development Institute, the region has experienced a 12% population decrease over the past decade, driven by urban migration and aging demographics. The association’s initiative aligns with broader provincial efforts to reverse these trends through community-based programs.

While the primary focus of the meeting was on demographic challenges, the association’s environmental work remains a core priority. Members reviewed progress on local conservation projects, including tree-planting campaigns and waste management improvements. These efforts are part of a long-term strategy to enhance the area’s livability, which officials argue could indirectly support population retention.

No further details about the “population increase relay campaign” were provided in the reported meeting summary. The association has not issued a public statement outlining specific goals or timelines for the initiative. Residents of Jicho-dong have not yet been formally notified of the campaign’s parameters, according to local media coverage.

Gimcheon Internet News, the source of the report, is a regional online publication that covers local government and community developments. The outlet’s coverage of the meeting was part of a broader series on rural revitalization efforts in the area. No independent verification of the association’s claims was available beyond the initial report.

The Jicho-dong Natural Protection Association’s activities reflect a growing trend among local groups in South Korea to address demographic challenges through grassroots initiatives. Similar efforts have been documented in other rural regions, where community organizations play a key role in advocating for policy changes and local development projects.