Biodiversity Indicator Assessment in Jeju and Gochang Biosphere Reserves, Korea

• Published in: Journal of Environmental Policy and Administration Vol. 31; no. 4; pp. 201 - 229
• Main Authors: Kang, Sung-Ryong, Jang, Inyoung, Han, Sang-Hak, Park, Eun-Jin, Yoo, Jaeyoung, Kang, Hojeong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 한국환경정책학회 31.12.2023
• Subjects: 정책학; 지표 평가; Biosphere Reserve; Indicator Assessment; 보전; Conservation; 관리; 생물다양성; Management; Biodiversity; 생물권보전지역
• ISSN: 1598-835X; 2714-0601
• DOI: 10.15301/jepa.2023.31.4.201

Biodiversity indicators are crucial tools in managing and conserving biosphere reserves. Therefore, in this study, we determine the biodiversity status of biosphere reserves by evaluating various biodiversity indicators and discussing efficient threat management strategies. For the assessment of overall species diversity, based on national surveys and academic papers, 5,911 and 2,323 species in Jeju and Gochang biosphere reserves, respectively, were identified. Regarding the Red List Index, Jeju and Gochang biosphere reserves scored 0.960 and 0.965, respectively, indicating a more favorable status of endangered species in Gochang than in Jeju. Jeju and Gochang biosphere reserves had 237 and 129 alien species, respectively. In the Jeju Biosphere Reserve, the ecosystem area ratio deteriorated, vegetation grade improved, and average patch size in natural space showed no significant trend, while in the Gochang Biosphere Reserve, the average patch size in natural space and vegetation grade improved and the ecosystem area ratio showed no significant trend. The protected area ratio was enhanced in both Jeju and Gochang biosphere reserves. Biosphere reserves have different purposes and uses for their core, buffer, and transition areas. Designating the buffer zone as a protected area is a crucial step for the ongoing conservation of biodiversity and the stability of ecosystems. Therefore, monitoring and reporting should be differentiated accordingly for practical biodiversity assessment. However, more monitoring and reporting on these zoning areas are needed to avoid data accumulation issues. In this study, these zoning areas were not considered due to data availability problems. Future monitoring, reporting, and assessment systems for biodiversity assessment in biosphere reserves must consider these zoning areas. KCI Citation Count: 0