A signature drive is under way to host the International Union for Conservation of Nature's World Conservation Congress on Jeju Island.

Jeju is up against Cancun, Mexico to host the fifth WCC in 2012. Back in 2007, Jeju residents took part in a signature campaign to add several tourist attractions on the island as UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites.

Both central and local governments aim to get one million signatures by mid-September when an IUCN inspection team comes to the island in September.

The IUCN inspection team's visit to Jeju this September is seen as a critical moment to determine whether Jeju is qualified to host the coveted event.

As of August 23, more than 324,000 people had signed their name on the list. Hosting the event is expected to bring in more than W100 billion (US$1=W1,219) worth of economic benefits.

The IUCN WCC, held every four years, is the world's largest environmental event, with 10,000 people from 180 nations attending.