It has been Ramsar Convention week here in Changwon. What is Ramsar? Well, established in Ramsar in Iran, 1971, this is an international convention, which meets with the concern for the protection of wetlands and wildlife habitats. 157 countries are signed up. There are 1,702 Ramsar sites around the world, with 5 in the Republic of Korea. The 10th meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties took place in Changwon, Gyeongsangnam-do. Under the theme of "Healthy Wetlands, Healthy People", this well-organised event dominated the city for 7 days. Changwon was primarily chosen due to its close proximity to the Upo and Junam Wetlands.

Delegates and locals alike have been treated with exhibits, seminars, tours, concerts, demonstrations as well as the actual business of the convention. It has also been a great opportunity to push the green potentials of the capital city of Gyeongsangnam-do. The city's waterways, for example, are being turned into a Cheonggyecheon 청계천 style eco-stream (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheonggyecheon). There is a new public bicycle hire scheme. The authorities want to provide safe tap water to all homes, aim for 50% recycling of all products and make good use of sustainable energy.

It is noticeable as a foreigner working here, just how 'green' Changwon tries to be. There are eyesores, maybe due to neglect in the past, but it is still a superb location with great potential. It is a claimed 'planned'' city - modelled on Canberra, Australia apparently. Something that is purposefully designed for getting around easily. I love it. I think it is great for cycling and walking, provided you keep a close eye out for regular red-light jumping drivers. It is also a self-proclaimed 'young city'.

Personally, I visited the displays and exhbitions at CECO (Changwon Exhibition and Conference Center), watched some demos, and attended the main concert on Sunday. Inbetween, I managed to squeeze in some football - for the first time I watched Gyeongnam FC - they beat Ulsan Horang I 1-0 with an own goal. I also dressed up, on Saturday, as Robin Hood; mostly in brown, but with a hat adorned with 'Nottingham Green' four leaf clovers.