• Spatial Information Research
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.47-58
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• 2014

The credible measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) is among the most critical elements in UN-REDD (United Nations programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation in Developing Countries). This study is intended to explore MRV potential in terms of UN-REDD opportunity cost estimation using satellite image for Mt. Geum-gang of North Korea. A visual interpretation were conducted to evaluate MRV conditions by sub-dividing or decomposing the images with different pixel size into a three types of hierarchical tree structure that helps dealing with spatial variability within each subarea. The permanent record of standard satellite remote sensing system demonstrated its capability of presenting area-wide visual evidences of MRV conditions in Mt. Geum-gang (such as the identification of forested area, degradation trends for forest space, three types of hierarchical land-cover and land use tree structure, carbon density in the landscape). Satellite data could be accepted as legally binding proof when it comes to REDD opportunity cost estimation since several cases exist where remote sensing has been used as legal evidence in ICJ (International Court of Justice) and UN resolution. It doesn't seem very difficult to comply with MRV requirements for UN-REDD opportunity cost calculation due to the probative value of satellite data. It is anticipated that this research output could be used as a valuable reference for Korea-based enterprises exploring REDD project sites and the carbon traders to ensure MRV potentials using satellite image in UN-REDD Opportunity Cost estimation.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.439-454
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• 2013

UN-REDD (United Nations programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation) is currently being emerged as one of important mechanism to reduce carbon dioxide in relation to the deforestation. Although administrative boundary has already gained world-wide recognition as a typical method of monitoring unit in the process of GHG (Greenhouse Gas) reduction project, this approach did not provide a realistic evidence in the carbon sequestering monitoring in terms of UN-REDD; the meaningful comparison of land use patterns among watershed boundaries, interpretation for distribution trends of carbon density, calculation of opportunity cost, leakage management, etc. This research proposes a comparative evaluation framework in a more objective and quantitative way for carbon sequestering monitoring between administrative and watershed boundary approaches. Mt. Geumgang of North Korea was selected as a survey objective and an exhaustive and realistic comparison of carbon sequestration between the two approaches was conducted, based on change detection using TM satellite images. It was possible for drainage boundary approach to identify more detailed area-wide patterns of carbon distribution than traditional administrative one, such as estimations of state and trends, including historical trends, of land use / land cover and carbon density in the Mt. Geumgang. The distinctive changing trends in terms of carbon sequestration were specifically identified over the watershed boundary from 4.0% to 34.8% while less than 1% difference was observed in the administrative boundaries, which were resulting in almost 21-22%. It is anticipated that this research output could be used as a valuable reference to support more scientific and objective decision-making in introducing watershed boundary as carbon sequestering monitoring unit.

• Journal of Korean Society for Geospatial Information Science
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.73-81
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• 2013

Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression is the primary statistical method in previous studies for vegetation distribution patterns in relation to landform. However, this global regression lacks the ability to uncover some local-specific relationships and spatial autocorrelation in model residuals. This study employed geographically weighted regression (GWR) to examine the spatially varying relationships between NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) patterns and changing trends of landform (elevation, slope) and solar intensity (insolation and duration of sunshine) in Mt Geum-gang of North-Korea. Results denoted that GWR was more powerful than OLS in interpreting relationships between NDVI patterns and landform/solar intensity, since GWR was characterized by higher adjusted R2, and reduced spatial autocorrelations in model residuals. Unlike OLS regression, GWR allowed the coefficients of explanatory variables to differ by locality by giving relatively more weight to NDVI patterns which are affected by local landform and solar factors. The strength of the regression relationships in the GWR increased significantly, by showing regression coefficient of higher than 70% (0.744) in the southern ridge of the experimental area. It is anticipated that this research output will serve to increase the scientific and objective vegetation monitoring in relation to landform and solar intensity by overcoming serious constraints suffered from the past non-GWR-based approach.