Abstract
The purpose of this study are to develop a SDSS (Spatial Decision Support System) that can incorporate diverse opinions of stakeholders related the designation of protected areas (PA), and to employ the model for the readjustment of the boundary line of the Jirisan National Park of Korea. The SDSS would lead to more rational and less controversial decision-making during the expansion or removal of PA in Korea. Research methods are as follows. Firstly, to select evaluation criteria for SDSS for PA designation by using expert interview and literature survey. Secondly, to measure their preferences on the designation of additional PA or the removal of a part of PA based on the opinions of various stakeholders such as local residents, environmental groups, or public officials. Thirdly, to produce conservation priority maps based on a multi-criteria decision making technique. The SDSS would be used to rational decision making for the expansion of PA or the release of a certain part of PA by reflecting diverse preferences on biodiversity conservation and economic interest of residents. The visualization of conservation priority maps would also increase the efficiency of such decision making processes. The evaluation criteria for the expansion of PA for biodiversity conservation includes vegetation conservation value, wildlife conservation value, and the habitats of key species. The evaluation criteria for the removal of PA includes the proximity to roads and the boundary of PA, land use types, and conservation zoning of the PA. Preference weights are based on data collected from the Jirisan National Park. Both the conservation priority and removal priority maps are based on land parcels so that property rights of all parcels would be correctly represented.
