• Proceedings of the National Institute of Ecology of the Republic of Korea
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.62-69
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• 2021

This study aimed to verify the suitability of an air quality regulating service for wetland ecosystem service evaluation by investigating the effect of reducing particulate matter (PM) on vegetation in wetlands. We installed tunnel-type experimental plots at Yonghwasil Pond in the National Institute of Ecology and set up the input and output of PM by applying the natural vegetation of the relevant wetlands. We took measurements by replicating four different conditions four times each. The air quality regulating service in each experimental plot was measured based on PM10 concentration; further, the difference between the input and the output concentration of PM passing through the Phragmites australis community tunnel was measured using a light scattering method. For the Phragmites australis community in the outdoor conditions and bare land, the PM concentration was measured with the same specifications as tunnel-type experimental plots without setting up the input and output. For the tunnel-type experimental plots, PM10 concentration was significantly lower in the output than in the input. Furthermore, in the outdoor conditions, a comparison between the Phragmites australis community and bare land showed that the concentration was relatively low in the former than in the latter. This confirmed the PM reducing effect due to the blockage and absorption of PM depending on the growth of Phragmites australis. Based on the results of this study, we assessed the air quality regulating service in wetlands as an evaluation indicator.

• Ocean and Polar Research
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.249-260
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• 2022

This mini review examines the habitat connectivity and effectiveness of Korean Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the Yellow Sea Large Marine Ecosystem (YSLME) region. We first reemphasize that the Korean region of the YSLME is a single ecosystem (ecoregion) given the biophysical distribution patterns. The MPAs within the YSLME contribute about 50% to the total MPAs in Korea, accounting for about 10% of the territorial sea waters of Korea and 20% of the waters of YSLME on the Korean side. By area, national parks account for nearly 45% of the MPAs, followed by the wetland protected areas at 25%, with other types of MPA comprising the remaining 30%. Large MPA (> 100 km²) is the dominant type of MPA, accounting for 90% of the total area. We find that MPAs in the region are connected physically and perhaps also genetically. However, the level of protection was found to be low, and a no-take zone is rarely implemented. In addition, interrupted freshwater discharge caused by river-mouth dams poses a major hindrance to the physical connectivity of the MPAs. Restoration of the river-mouth dams and strengthened regulation on MPAs, with further expansion of MPAs in line with the current development of post-2020 global biodiversity frameworks, should be priorities for better management of marine resources. The newly revised law incorporating the concept of "Marine Ecosystem Axis Management" would reinforce the processes, and their effectiveness together with overall management of MPAs in Korea should be evaluated by designing appropriate measurement tools.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.25-43
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• 2016

This research was completed to provide fundamental data regarding the guidelines to installing and managing utility facilities & structures in wetland protected area to advance the functions and sustainable use of ecology services by preserving the ecology within wetland protected area. There were 5 on-site researching areas that were used as the main subject with these areas chosen and considered from 21 inland wetlands that have been designated and are being managed from the Ministry of Environment and by their designated dates as a wetland protected area. The utility facilities in these wetland areas were categorized by their types and a detailed on-site investigation was proceeded with investigation items chosen whereas these facilities are working by their roles from their location, size, used materials, types, information contents and etc., The results showed that regarding informational structures, several locations of information boards were distanced from the main exploring routes which did not consider the visitor's eye level which had their readability dropped and by sunlight, time lapse and water penetration, many information boards were damaged or corrupted so that it was hard to confirm the information noticed or understanding an image. Insufficient observation and educational structures were installed that considered the ecological characteristics of wild animals and their living conditions. Regarding convenience facilities, there were parking lots that were installed on the fore-land and to decrease non-point solution sources, some parking lots needed to be located in protected lowlands while some facilities' shape and colors did not harmonize with their natural surroundings, creating a sense of awareness, which will need some more consideration. As for safety facilities, they were very insufficient compared to other facilities. This means that additional safety structures are needed so that related personnel can be aware of where a visitor is located when an accident occurs. Protectional facilities strongly needed new structures and a management system to cut off entrances and do surveillance so that visitors do not go into areas outside of the managed areas and bring damages to restricted locations. Research labs needed to expand the use of automatic weather systems and water gauge equipments to build fundamental data regarding floodgates that are intimated to the forming of wetlands. Sensor cameras and other types of monitoring systems are needed to monitor the majority types of animals living in the wetlands as well.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.354-366
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• 2022

To analyze the distribution of plant communities growing in river wetlands and the relationship between biotic and abiotic environmental factors, plant communities and environmental factors were investigated in river wetlands in the Boseong River. The Boseong River Wetland, the research site, consists of Hwapyeong Wetland, Bangujeong Wetland, and Seokgok Wetland. From June to September 2022, a plant community survey was conducted from the perspective of physiognomical vegetation, and the coverage of the emerging species followed the Braun-Blanquet scale. Plant species and the coverage of each species were recorded in the quadrant for plant community survey, and the cover of the quadrant, the total number of species, and the number of exotic species were measured as biological factors. As abiotic factors, altitude, orientation, inclination, soil texture, litter layer depth, dominant species diameter at breast height, and topography were recorded. In a total of 50 square plots, the most common Salix koreensis and Phragmites japonicus communities were found, and the community with the highest Shannon species diversity index was Phragmites japonicus-Echinochloa caudata community. As a result of ordination analysis by DCCA, the most significant clusters were separated according to topographic factors such as leeve, leeve slope, upper floodplain, lower floodplain, upper waterside, middle waterside, lower waterside, river island and opem water. As rare plants that need to be preserved in river wetlands, Hydrocharis dubia and Penthorum chinense were found in lower waterside, and it was found that the management of the river in the reservoir is necessary in line with the topographical distribution of ecosystem-disrupting plants, such as Paspalum distichum var. indutum.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.471-501
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• 2022

This study was carried out on 455 forest wetlands of south Korea for which an inventory was established through value evaluation and grade. Correlation analysis was conducted to find out the correlation between the types and grades of forest wetlands and 23 evaluation factors in four categories: vegetation and landscape, material circulation and hydraulics·hydrology, humanities and social landscape, and disturbance level. Through the improvement of types and grades of forest wetlands, it is possible to secure basic data that can be used in setting up conservation measures by preparing standards necessary for future forest wetland conservation and restoration, and to found a systematic monitoring system. First, between the type of forest wetland and size and accessibility showed a positive correlation, but the remaining items were analyzed to have negative or no correlation. In particular, it was found that there was no negative correlation or no correlation with the grades of forest wetland. Moreover, it was found that there was a very strong negative correlation with the weighted four category items. Thus, it is judged that improvement is necessary because there is an error in the weight or adjust the evaluation criteria of the value evaluation item, add an item that can increase objectivity. Especially, in the case of forest wetlands, the ecosystem service function due to biodiversity is the largest, so evaluation items should be improved in consideration of this. Therefore, it can be divided into five categories: uniqueness and rarity (15%), wildlife habitat (15%), vegetation and landscape (35%), material cycle·hydraulic hydrology (30%), and humanities and social landscape (5%). It will be possible to propose weights that can increase effectiveness.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.15-24
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• 2021

This study was carried out to propose the functional assessment and a wise use strategy on the ecologically valuable 'village wetlands' distributed in living area in Geumsan gun, Chungnam province, Korea. The targets of the functional evaluation were 24 wetlands, selected from 123 village wetlands, where villages and agricultural lands or core ecosystems are located within living area near the wetland and wetlands with historical and cultural significance. The functional evaluation was carried out by RAM (Rapid Assessment Model) and the conservation strategies were suggested. As a result of the functional evaluation, 9 wetlands were rated 'high' (2 'absolute conservation' and 7 'conservation' strategies), 14 wetlands were rated 'medium' ('enhancement' strategies), and one wetland was rated 'low' ('restore or enhancement' strategy). In consideration of the results of the functional evaluation, interviews with village residents, and historic meaning, 6 important village wetlands were selected that require additional management strategies, such as conservation, enhancement, and restoration. 2 wetlands were from "absolute conservation" strategy and 4 wetlands derived from "conservation" and "enhancement" strategy wetlands in consideration of the ecological connectivity of wetlands, the use of surrounding land, and the function as a biological habitat. The wise use and conservation strategy was specifically proposed respectively.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.67-90
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• 2024

The purpose of this study is to present the ecological data for conservation and management of three wetlands by surveying the vascular plants in Ganam reservoir, Ahnshim wetland and Jeomsae swamp. The whole taxa of vascular plants were 376 taxa including 90 families, 252 genera, 341 species, 7 subspecies, 24 varieties, 2 forms, 1 hybrid and 1 cultivar, and the planted species were 66 taxa including Ginkgo biloba and so on. The rare plants were 7 taxa including Euryale ferox(VU), Aristolochia contorta(LC), Koelreuteria paniculata(VU), Sagittaria trifolia(DD), Hydrocharis dubia(LC), Ottelia alismoides(LC) and Sparganium stoloniferum(VU). The Korean endemic plant was 1 taxon of Lespedeza maritima. In total, there were 21 taxa of floristic target species including 1 taxon of garde V, 2 taxa of grade IV, 6 taxa of grade III, 5 taxa of grade II and 7 taxa of grade I . The hydrophytes were 51 taxa including 36 taxa of emergent species, each 6 taxa of floating-leaved and submerged species and 3 taxa of free-floating species. The invasive alien plants were 79 taxa including 75 taxa of naturalized plants and 4 taxa of casual alien plant. The ecosystem disturbing species 6 taxa including Sicyos angulatus, Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Lactuca seriola, Symphyotrichum pilosum, Paspalum distichum and Humulus scandens.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.25-34
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• 2017

The objective of this study is to seek for improvement measures to make the Ecosystem and Nature Map by analyzing causes for grade changes and distributional characteristics of areas with public objections to the Ecosystem and Nature Map notified by e-official gazette from 2014 to June 2016. The receipt of public appeals has been recently increased from average 23 cases a year(2007-2013) to average 33 cases a year(2014-June 2016) while there were 42 areas with public appeals for less than the minimum area($62,500m^2$) for the evaluation of grade of the Ecosystem and Nature Map. Most of the public appeals focused on the 1st grade zone of the Ecosystem and Nature Map. Before grade changes by public appeals, the 1st grade zone of the Ecosystem and Nature Map were 76.0% of the whole areas with public appeals. However, after grade changes by public appeals, it was rapidly decreased to 25.2%, which means that a lot of the 1st grade zone with public appeals were lowered. In the results of analyzing the distributional characteristics of areas with public appeals, they were mostly distributed in lowland(less than 250m altitude), section with $10{\sim}20^{\circ}$ slope, and areas close to or within 100m from built-up area. Regarding areas with public appeals, the biggest time difference between the period of the existing research by National Ecosystem Survey and the period of notice after completing the treatment of public appeals was 18 years while areas showing 6-15 years of time difference were about 70%. Thus, there were huge differences in time of research and notice. Also, the biggest causes for grade changes were boundary errors caused by small-scale survey, and then followed by changes in evaluation of endangered species and occurrence of built-up area and damaged land. Analyzing areas with public appeals in each evaluation item of the Ecosystem and Nature Map, vegetation part was 73.0%, and endangered species area was 23.1% while topography and wetland was less.

• Ecology and Resilient Infrastructure
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.237-246
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• 2022

Owing to their high bioproductivity and unique physical environment, estuarine wetlands are gaining importance in national biodiversity management and habitat conservation. With regard to conservation and management of estuarine wetlands, this study analyzed the ecological characteristics of Gahwacheon Estuarine Wetland, an open estuary with various habitat types. Data from vegetation and biotic surveys have shown that 12 plant communities of five physiognomic vegetation types, including lentic herbaceous vegetation, halophytic herbaceous vegetation, and chasmophytic herbaceous vegetation. Due to the discharge of Namgang Dam and the effect of the tide, vegetation are distributed along the narrow waterside area. In terms of biodiversity, a total of 715 species, including 12 endangered wildlife species, were identified. Species diversity was relatively high in sections I and III where various riverbed structures and microhabitats were distributed. Due to the effect of the brackish water area following the inflow of seawater, endangered wildlife of various functional groups were also found to be distributed, indicating the high conservation value of that area. The collection of ecological information of the Gahwacheon Estuarine Wetland can be used as a framework for establishing the basis for conservation and management of the estuarine ecosystem and support policy establishment.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.43-56
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• 2014

In this study, ecological investigation was performed on Yong-neup, Daeam-san for 5 times. This area is considered DMZ zone located between Yanggu-gun and Inje-gun, Gangwon-do, where has been recognized highly valuable for ecological preservation. As a result, Sphagnum and hydrophobic vegetation were found in Little Yong-neup, revealing its characteristics of high moor, where as no Sphagnum were found in Baby Yong-neup. Thereby, the carnification has been investigated in both Little Yong-neup and Baby Yong-neup. A main cause of damage was associated with the creation of stating rink and increases of visitors. The damages of vegetation in Little Yong-neup and Baby Yong-neup have been intensified by road construction or uses of groundwater while relocating military troops to upper stream of Little Yong-neup and Baby Yong-neup, further causing the damages of water circulation system and soil erosion. These artificial factors have caused the carnification of wetland protection areas including Little Yong-neup. The terrestrial vegetations, such as Plantago asiatica, Geranium Koreanum and Artemisia feddei have increased compared to current survey conducted by the Ministry of Environment. 5 endangered species, such as Lychnis wilfordii and Trientalis europaea and 5 other introduced species, such as Aster pilosus and Taraxacum officinale were found. 10 different species of mammal and 2 species of amphibian were investigated; and in addition to this, a original form of Sphagnum fens, the remaining wetland was found. Therefore, this study is to identify the causes of damages in Little Yong-neup and Baby Yong-neup through their ecological survey and accordingly proposing a direction for ecological restoration through the improvement of water circulation system, creation of habitats for plant and animal, restoration of vegetation through eco-friendly materials and indigeneity, relocation of the current military troops, securing of structural stability.