Launches research project for the Second Comprehensive Island Cultivation Plan (2026-2032) … Aims for sustainable island development

Chungcheongnam-do Province is embarking on the development of its ‘Second Comprehensive Island Cultivation Plan (2026-2032)’ to proactively address rapidly changing domestic and international policy landscapes and to establish a future-oriented mid-to-long-term vision and strategies for its numerous islands.

The province announced on the 9th that it held a kick-off meeting for the ‘Research Project for the Establishment of the Second Chungcheongnam-do Comprehensive Island Cultivation Plan’ at the provincial government office. The meeting was attended by approximately 20 individuals, including Park Sang-yong, Head of the Maritime and Port Division, representatives from six cities and counties, experts, and researchers from the Korea Island Promotion Agency and the Chungnam Institute.

The kick-off meeting proceeded with a report on the project implementation plan and key tasks by Choi Ji-ho, a senior researcher from the Korea Island Promotion Agency, who is leading the research. This was followed by the collection of suggestions from participating cities and counties and the gathering of expert opinions.

This research aims to formulate a mid-to-long-term plan for the inclusion of new projects in the central government's Fifth Comprehensive Island Development Plan (2028-2037). It also seeks to analyze the unique characteristics and residents' needs of Chungnam’s island regions to identify shortcomings in current policies and to chart a course for future development.

Key tasks of the research include: △Analysis of domestic and international island-related policies and projects △Evaluation and performance analysis of the First Comprehensive Island Cultivation Plan (2021-2025) △Conducting a survey of island residents to assess obstacles to island cultivation and gather opinions on future development directions △Establishing detailed strategies by sector for the development of the province's 28 islands △Policy recommendations.

Chungcheongnam-do plans to hold a first interim report meeting in June, a second in September, and a final report meeting in December, commencing with the kick-off meeting. The goal is to establish a customized island development system for the province.

Park Sang-yong, Head of the Maritime and Port Division, stated, “Chungnam Province is home to 286 inhabited and uninhabited islands, representing a region with immense potential for the development of the West Sea coast.” He further emphasized, “Through this research project, we will formulate an effective comprehensive plan to ensure that Chungnam’s islands can be reborn as hubs for balanced regional development and as future growth engines in the marine ecology and fisheries sectors.”