Daejeon Jung-gu cancels fireworks at Hyo Culture Root Festival to protect habitat for endangered species

(Daejeon = Yonhap News) Reporter Byun Seon-jin = A local environmental group evaluated Daejeon Jung-gu's cancellation of the Hyo Cultural Roots Festival fireworks display due to the presence of endangered species as "a precedent that sets an example for other local governments."

The Daejeon and South Chungcheong Green Association issued a statement on the 4th, saying, "Rather than flashy entertainment, teaching children the value of coexistence with wild animals will be the pride of the Hyo Culture Roots Festival."

On the 2nd, Jung-gu held an emergency meeting presided over by District Mayor Kim Je-seon and canceled the fireworks that had been prepared as the last part of the opening and closing ceremonies of the Hyo Cultural Roots Festival.

When the Green Union delivered habitat data and residents' concerns about otters (level 1 endangered), yellow ruffed martens, and eagle owls (level 2) in the Yudeungcheon area near Puri Park, where the festival is held, Jung-gu judged that fireworks could have a serious impact on their habitat.

The Green Alliance pointed out, "When firecrackers are burned, air pollutants and chemicals are released, affecting air and water quality, and noise and light cause collective panic in birds, posing a long-term threat to the overall ecosystem."

He said, "Jung-gu's decision deserves praise," and added, "Fireworks are included in every festival across the country, and local governments should stop holding standardized festivals and provide peaceful festivals that can be enjoyed by the lives that must be protected and preserved."