density of dams ranks first in the world. The country has 39,900 km of reinforced river banks and 129,844 km of water supply facilities (as of 2008). KFEM works to improve the government's water and river related policies to be more environmentally-friendly. With a long history of protesting against large dam construction and other river development projects, such as the proposed Grand Canal project by the President Lee Myungbak. The project is one of the largest infrastructure projects in Korea's history that will create 553 km scar on the Korea landscape for 5,000 ton cargo ships to move between Seoul and Busan by linking the Han River and the Nakdong River. Wetlands conservation Wetlands in Korea are important breeding, stopover, and wintering sites for a lot of endangered bird species, including the red-crowned, white-snapped and hooded cranes, black-faced spoonbills, and various migratory shorebirds. However, since 1990, more than 140,000 ha of coastal wetlands have been reclaimed, or are in the process of being claimed. KFEM has been working to conserve those wetlands in the country and has successfully persuaded the Korean government to designate several wetlands as protected areas, including the Upo Wetland, a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. KFEM conducts field surveys on important wetlands and uses scientific findings to improve government's wetland policies, while raising the public's awareness through various education exhibition, and eco-tourisim activities. Environmental health KFEM's work to protect people from biological and chemical hazards includes campaigns to phase out the use of toxic chemicals such as asbestos in buildings and PVC plastic products, and monitoring indoor air quality of public places such as schools and subways. Researching bottled drinking water and iv bags in hospitals that and their impact on the environment and the human health belongs to the major activities. Further, the projects are concentrated on food and agricultural issues by supporting (organic) agriculture, while fighting against GMOs and chemical food and additives. The basic work is conducted through a variety of independent research to determine products' are safety for the human health and the ecosystem. International cooperation As member of Friends of the Earth International (FoE), KFEM is part of a global network of environmental organizations in 74 countries. Among other projects, KFEM supports FoE's climate change campaign The Big Ask. Since KFEM obtained the Special Consultative Status accreditation of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in May 1998, the organization