An Analysis of Eco-corridors in Korea by Case Study of Domestic and Foreign Cases

In an effort to preserve biodiversity in increasingly fragmented green patches, Korea has been installing eco-corridors over or under some arterial or expressways. In a survey of 43 such eco-corridors installed up until the year 2003, some problems and issues were identified. Some selected overseas eco-corridors were also investigated to find implications for the improvements of future installations in Korea. Major findings are; - For most existing eco-corridors, target species are not specified and locations of the eco-corridors are not well considered, and consequently it is questionable if wildlifes are crossing them - Most of existing eco-corridors lack supporting facilities such as fences that guide wildlife to cross them and prevent them from running into the road - Planting on the eco-corridors is not sufficient, not diverse enough in species, and not very considerate of wildlife but designed and planted in a similar manner as in urban parks - Where target species are not well specified, the location, width, cross section, and other aspects of the eco-corridors can not be optimized - It is suggested that eco-corridors are planned at early stages of road planning so that the number and locations of eco-corridor(s) decided as necessary and even the alignment and design of roads consider the installation of eco-corridors in advance - Monitoring of wildlife crossings is needed for improved eco-corridor planning and design - Nationwide green network plan is desirable to be made first and eco-corridors fit into it.

생태통로 조성 국내외 사례 조사를 통한 개선과제 연구