Plants Living on Salt...National Institute of Biological Resources Presents Special Exhibition

The National Institute of Biological Resources (Director Yoo Ho), under the Ministry of Climate and Energy and Environment, announced that it will present the special exhibition 'Plants Blooming on Salt' from the 11th through March of next year at the Saengsaeng Chaeum Planning Exhibition Hall (located in Seohaegu, Incheon).

This special exhibition was organized to introduce halophytic plants that survive in salt-laden soil and organisms that maintain organic relationships in tidal flats, aiming to raise awareness of the value and importance of tidal flat ecosystems.

In particular, this exhibition was jointly organized by △POSCO E&C; △Korea Coast Guard △World Vision △Incheon Port Authority △Incheon Community Chest of Korea △POSCO 1% Sharing Foundation. These companies and organizations have made efforts in restoring halophytic plant habitats and raising awareness of biodiversity. This special exhibition introduces their contribution activities and various efforts to protect coastal biodiversity.

In this exhibition introducing a total of 26 species of halophytic plants, visitors can see large-scale models of four halophytic plant species including saltwort, glasswort, seepurslane, and kochia, as well as immersive videos created with generative artificial intelligence (AI) showing the habitats of halophytic plants and tidal flat organisms.

Additionally, specimens of fish including mudskippers inhabiting tidal flats, invertebrates such as crabs and clams, and birds such as spoonbills are on display, and visitors can also encounter living bamboo shrimp.

Unlike ordinary plants vulnerable to salt, halophytic plants possess unique survival strategies. The exhibition introduces in an easy-to-understand manner how halophytic plants have adapted to survive in harsh environments. Additionally, through interactive digital experiences, visitors can directly plant halophytic species and indirectly experience biodiversity conservation activities that enrich tidal flat ecosystems.

Detailed information about the special exhibition can be found on the National Institute of Biological Resources website (nibr.go.kr) and official social media.

Director Yoo Ho of the National Institute of Biological Resources stated, "I hope this exhibition will serve as an opportunity to understand the precious value of halophytic plants and tidal flats, and to reflect on how protecting one life is protecting many organisms and their habitats," and added, "The National Institute of Biological Resources will continue to share the value of biodiversity with the public and pursue research and practice for the conservation of biological resources and sustainable use."