Discussion Panel: Effects of the Four Rivers Project on Paldang Organic Village

** The Four Major Rivers Restoration Project currently being undertaken in South Korea is designed to be a green project. However, organic farmers located in the Paldang region( in Gyeonggi-do) are being forced to relocate.This is due to the belief that organic farming will pollute the rivers. Parks, sports areas as well as bike paths are planned to replace the farms starting in June 2010. I am organizing a discussion panel open to the public to be held during the last weekend of May. Below is my proposed plan.**


Purpose: The Paldang Organic Farming Village is being forced to relocate due to President Lee Myun Bak's Four Rivers Restoration Project. Using a facilitated discussion, the objective is to forecast the effects of the Four Rivers Restoration Project on Paldang Organic Village. How would removing the organic farming village negatively affect the environment here? How would it negatively affect the farmers and their families? On the other hand, in what ways is the project expected to benefit the environment in and around Paldang? How are farmers being recompensed for their relocation? These are some of the questions to be discussed and answered by the panel. The discussion is an opportunity for both sides to deeply consider the repercussions of destroying the Paldang Organic Farming Village in an organized, peaceful manner. It is also a wonderful opportunity for the public to become well-informed of Paldang’s current situation and make their own decisions as to who is right.

Method: A facilitated dialogue involving those both for and against the destruction of Paldang Organic Farming Village under the Four Rivers Restoration Project and the proposed construction of a recreational area. The discussion will be led by a facilitator and will involve a series of questions (to be determined). A space of 30 minutes will be reserved at the end for questions and answers.

Expected Date: last weekend in May ( after talking with the farmers this weekend, they would like it to be much earlier...middle ofMay at the latest~) AKA to be determined

Location: to be determined. Paldang Community center would be ideal. However, transportation to and from the farm is difficult if a large number of people attend. As I would like 100 people or more to attend, a lecture hall in a university would naturally provide more space. Targeted Audience: Korean and expat community

Outcome: Generating a lasting spirit of committment to the cause of justice for the Paldang farmers and generating sufficient press for what's being done to the Paldang Organic Village and its community. If the government knows people sincerely care about South Korea's environment and its people, especially non-Koreans, perhaps they will reconsider their position this time around and in the months and years to come. Let's let them know we care enough about Paldang to want to know the entire story, from both sides.

excerpt from the letter I wrote to the farmers

"...토론회의 목전은 팔당을 파괴 후에 생길 결과에 대해서 대화를 하려고 합니다.정부에 입장에서 볼때 팔당을 파괴 후에 그 근처에 나다나는 환경은 변화가 어떻게 생길까요? 무엇보다 농부들의 생활에는 어떤 영향을 미칠까요?고객 토론회동앙 한국과 국제 보도 기관, 보도진으로 오시면 아주 좋을 것이라고 생각합니다."
Vanessa Falco (바네사)

translation: "I plan to have a discussion in front of the public to discuss the effects of destroying Paldang. From the government's position, how will the surrounding environment around Paldang change after Paldang's farms are destroyed? And moreover, how will this all impact the farmers--their lives and families? I think if we can generate domestic and international press it will be a good thing for getting out the truth about what will happen if Paldang is gone. "