SEOUL - The Seoul government intends to designate the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas as an ecological-preservation zone to protect rare wildlife and the natural environment.

The plan is part of a broader scheme to develop border areas with North Korea into a centre for inter-Korean cooperation, international peace and ecological protection. It is not known to what extent Pyongyang has signed on to the blueprint, which the Ministry of Public Administration and Security outlined at a meeting of the Presidential Committee on Regional Development attended by South Korea President Lee Myung Bak.

Mr Lee has generally been hardline in his approach to the North Korean government.

More than 3,000 rare species of animals and plants are found in the 907 sq km, heavily-fortified border area.

The Seoul government plans to build a peace park, host a United Nations peace conference and establish an international peace-themed university near the DMZ.

The ministry also plans to develop high-tech industries, tourism and transport networks around the sealed border. One ecologically friendly move will be the construction of a bike path along the 495km-long Civilian Control Line.

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