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

생태통로 조성 국내외 사례 조사를 통한 개선과제 연구

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.