• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.255-263
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• 2021

Background: Ecosystem service mapping is an important tool for decision-making in landscape planning and natural resource management. Today, pollination service mapping is based on the Lonsdorf model (InVEST software) that determines the availability of nesting and floral resources for each land cover and estimates pollination according to the foraging range of the desired species. However, it is argued that the Lonsdorf model has significant limitations in estimating pollination in a landscape that can affect the results of this model. Results: This paper presents a free software, named PollMap, that does not have the limitations of the Lonsdorf model. PollMap estimates the pollination service according to a modified version of the Lonsdorf model and assumes that only cells within the flight range of bees are important in the pollination mapping. This software is produced for estimating and mapping crop pollination in agricultural landscapes. The main assumption of this software is that in the agricultural landscapes, which are dominated by forest and agriculture ecosystems, forest patches serve only as a nesting habitat for wild bees and the surrounding fields provide floral resources. Conclusion: The present study provided new software for mapping crop pollination in agricultural landscapes that does not have the limitations of the Lonsdorf model. We showed that the use of the Lonsdorf model for pollination mapping requires attention to the limitations of this model, and by removing these limitations, we will need new software to obtain a reliable mapping of pollination in agricultural landscapes.

• Journal of People, Plants, and Environment
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.95-105
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• 2021

Background and objective: A biosphere reserve is a complex concept that combines the preservation of biodiversity and the sustainable development with the region, outstanding ecosystems with worth conserving in worldwide. The purpose of this study is to suggest the way of zoning that can perform the functions of conservation, development, and logistics support of biosphere reserves. Methods: To meet the purpose of this study, the designation criteria, restrictions, and permissions of the protected area specified in the law for domestic protected areas were reviewed to classify the functions of a biosphere reserve. Results: Through this classification, 10 domestic protected areas with high ecological protection value, such as the natural beauty of the ecosystem, biodiversity, and habitats for wild animals and plants were derived as the core areas of the biosphere reserves. Also, a total of 21 protected zones that can function as a buffer to protect the core of the natural ecosystem from indiscriminate development such as resource protection, recovery, pollution prevention, and improvement were derived as appropriate sites for a buffer. In the review process, issues such as different behavioral restrictions and ranges of permission due to the application of different laws were identified, if two or more protected areas exist within one of the protected areas, there is a protected area that does not meet the criteria for designating use zone, or where behavior restrictions do not meet the zoning criteria of biosphere reserve, under the laws of domestic protected areas. Conclusion: Although this study was not able to carefully review most of the laws on domestic protected areas that are linked to other laws, it was able to categorize appropriate domestic protected areas that can act as the core and buffer zones of biosphere reserves.

• Ocean and Polar Research
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.311-317
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• 2022

Seed germination and seedling growth of a halophyte, Suaeda japonica were examined to measure the effects of seed preservation periods and various soil compositions in the mudflat of Saemangeum, Korea. Seed germination declined from 74.30% to 44.30% as the preservation period increased from 4 months to 12 months. After 14 days of seeding, seed germination was lowest in sandy soil (SS) at 8.67% and highest in earthworm cast+leaf mold (EC+LM) at 67.33%, showing 4~5 times higher than SS. The average lengths of seedlings were 12.20 mm in SS and 42.20 mm in EC+LM, respectively. These results suggest that seed germination and seedling growth enhanced in the soil that has more organic matter. In the experiment mixing Saemangeum soil (SMS), seed germination was from 4.00% in SMS to 88.00% in the soil of SMS+EC+LM after 14 days. Similar growth patterns were observed in the length of seedlings from 5.00 mm in SMS to 49.60 mm in SMS+EC+LM. The present results indicate that a population of Suaeda japonica could be established by stimulating seed germination and seedling growth by the addition of organic matters such as EC, LM, and EC+LM in the Saemangeum mud flat.

• Proceedings of the Microbiological Society of Korea Conference
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• 2001.11a
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• pp.39-45
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• 2001

Extremophiles are unique microorganisms that are adapted to survive in ecological niches such as high or low temperatures, extremes of pH, high salt concentrations and high pressure. These unusual microorganisms have unique biochemical features which can be exploited for use in the biotechnological industries. Due to the high biodiversity of extremophilic archaea and bacteria and their existence in various biotopes a variety of biocatalysts with different physicochemical properties have been discovered. The extreme molecular stability of their enzymes, membranes and the synthesis of unique organic compounds and polymers make extremophiles interesting candidates for basic and applied research. Some of the enzymes from extremophiles, especially hyperthermophilic marine microorganisms (growth above $85^{\circ}C$), have already been purified in our laboratory. These include the enzyme systems from Pyrococcus, Pyrodictium, Thermococcus and Thermotoga sp. that are involved in polysacharide modification and protein bioconversion. Only recently, the genome of the thermoalkaliphilic strain. Anaerobranca gottschalkii has been completely sequenced providing a unique resource of novel biocatalysts that are active at high temperature and pH. The gene encoding the branching enzyme from this organism was cloned and expressed in a mesophilic host and finally characterized. A novel glucoamylase was purified from an aerobic archaeon which shows optimal activity at $90^{\circ}C$ and pH 2.0. This thermoacidophilic archaeon Picrophilus oshimae grows optimally at pH 0.7 and $60^{\circ}C$. Furthermore, we were able to detect thermoactive proteases from two anaerobic isolates which are able to hydrolyze feather keratin completely at $80^{\circ}C$ forming amino acids and peptides. In addition, new marine psychrophilic isolates will be presented that are able to secrete enzymes such as lipases, proteases and amylases possessing high activity below the freezing point of water.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.107-115
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• 2024

This study assesses forest fire susceptibility in Gangwon-do, South Korea, which hosts the largest forested area in the nation and constitutes ~21% of the country's forested land. With 81% of its terrain forested, Gangwon-do is particularly susceptible to wildfires, as evidenced by the fact that seven out of the ten most extensive wildfires in Korea have occurred in this region, with significant ecological and economic implications. Here, we analyze 480 historical wildfire occurrences in Gangwon-do between 2003 and 2019 using 17 predictor variables of wildfire occurrence. We utilized three machine learning algorithms—random forest, logistic regression, and support vector machine—to construct wildfire susceptibility prediction models and identify the best-performing model for Gangwon-do. Forest and soil map data were integrated as important indicators of wildfire susceptibility and enhanced the precision of the three models in identifying areas at high risk of wildfires. Of the three models examined, the random forest model showed the best predictive performance, with an area-under-the-curve value of 0.936. The findings of this study, especially the maps generated by the models, are expected to offer important guidance to local governments in formulating effective management and conservation strategies. These strategies aim to ensure the sustainable preservation of forest resources and to enhance the well-being of communities situated in areas adjacent to forests. Furthermore, the outcomes of this study are anticipated to contribute to the safeguarding of forest resources and biodiversity and to the development of comprehensive plans for forest resource protection, biodiversity conservation, and environmental management.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.291-307
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• 2016

Evaluation of the extinction risk of endangered plants at international, national as well as at regional levels is essential to the implementation of plans for direct conservation activities. Reports indicate that 34 endangered plants are distributed in the middle eastern area of Korea. For each endangered plant, we investigated the sites, area of extents, population size, and factors that affect population extinction. We assessed risk factors based on 10 evaluation criteria including the results from the investigation and the life traits each endangered plant has. As a result of evaluating the risk factors, these 34 endangered plants are classified into 3 groups: the first category comprises 12 endangered plants that require active and urgent conservation of habitats due to multiple risk factors; the second group has 16 endangered plants that should be able to persist with the removal of a few direct risk factors; the third category has 6 endangered plants that can persist with minimal management due to comparatively large distributed area and numerous individuals. It was found that most major risk factors in the population of endangered plants are caused by disruption of habitats and population extinction due to the increase of human habitation in the concerned areas, development and illegal harvesting. Futhermore, ecological collapse from decreasing habitats and malfunctioning mechanism of extinction and regeneration due to the changes of vegetational environment can be the other causes. From the area of the present investigations, we selected 5 regions according to the number of species and the frequency of appearance and importance of conservation measures. Also, we suggested a conservation strategy according to the regional characteristics. We suggest that the method for evaluating extinction risk of endangered plants includes distributional data and life traits of species. In addition, we underscore the necessity for understanding population dynamics and ecological niche of the each target species.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.104-114
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• 2014

Nowadays, forests have been recognized as valuable resources for biological diversity and tourism/recreation. Temple forests occupy 1.3% of all the Korean forest and are under weak management although their ecological states are very good. Currently in the Buddhist society, the concern for the Buddhist arboretum has been raised as a good alternative for the practical use of temple forests to secure the sustainability of the temple forests as well as to actively meet the demand of the times for forests. This study aims to suggest establishment measures of Buddhist arboretum. This survey was performed on 105 temple forest managers and 130 laypersons. To summarize the results, the two groups differ in opinion. The temple forest managers more concerned for advertizing Buddhist culture and enhancing the image of the temple, while the laypersons had higher expectations for relaxation and education. However, they are similar in putting more emphasis on the conserving the heritage value of the temple and managing the temple forest. Above all, both groups evaluated the needs higher than the urgency and perceived managing temple forest as the most crucial function of a Buddhist arboretum. They also thought that a Buddhist arboretum should be planned to respond to the ecological characteristics of the temple area as well as to be non-exclusive to its users. Based on the important findings, five suggestions for a Buddhist arboretum were proposed. First, a Buddhist arboretum should be carried forward from a long-term point of view, developing a bond of sympathy between members of Buddhist society as well as conducting promotion and education to the general public. Second, the most significant function of a Buddhist arboretum should be preserving the temple forest, with the emphasis on relaxation and education. Third, in order to provide nonexclusive use, a Buddhist arboretum should provide mixed programs applicable to diverse user groups for high user satisfaction and educational effects. Fourth, the Buddhistic identification could be obtained through variety of plants closely associated with Buddhist culture. Lastly, in the process of collecting plants, it is also crucial to reflect the image of the temple and resource property so as to contribute itself in conservation and management of original temple forests. Thereby all Buddhist Arboretum can be classified into two types; preservation/collection and display/education/rest.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Traditional Landscape Architecture
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.118-128
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• 2016

The purpose of this study is to present efficient methods of preserving and managing the fish shelter forest in Mulgun-ri on the southern coast of Korea on the basis of its humanistic, sociological and ecological characteristics. The study object is Korean natural monument No. 150, which is presumed to have been forested by descendants of Jeonju Lee Family who settled there, and village rituals are held every October to pray for the peace of the village. The forest is managed by Namhae-gun as a historical and cultural resource as well as its disaster-preventing, economic, and environmental and ecological functions. The linear form of the area is $23,962.6m^2$ and farmland(48.5%) and urbanization area(38.2%) are extensively located in its periphery area. Actual vegetation was sub-classified into three types of land according to use pressure and whether or not damage was done: land where its stratification was formed; land where it was restored, and the land where it was damaged. Plant communities were sub-classified into Aphananthe aspera community(I) and Zelkova serrata community(II) which had a low use pressure; Z. serrata-Chionanthus retusa-A. aspera community(III) and A. aspera-Z. serrata community(IV) which had a high use pressure; and Celtis sinensis-A. aspera community(V) whose underlayer was damaged by use. Fragmentation of the forest is under way and its inside vegetation growth is hampered due to the installation of traffic and resting facilities such as the through roads costal roads, wooden-deck walkways, parking lots, washstands, etc. As a restoration management plan for this, the following were required: an establishment of preferred restoration area; a selection of restoration vegetation species; and an appropriate restoration method. The damaged area($7,868.2m^2$) will have to be set up as the preferred restoration area; seedlings of restored vegetation species should be raised with dominant species within the forest(i.e., Z. serrata, A. aspera, C. sinensis, and C. retusa) as their 'mother trees' for the benefit of for the next-generation forest; and sub-tree and shrub layer should be complementarily planted with 5 and 115 trees(unit $100m^2$) respectively to facilitate the formation of a multi-layered vegetation structure. In addition, resting facilities scattered inside the forest should be demolished; and indiscriminate use of them should be controlled; management and monitoring should be carried out so that the area can be preserved and restored as a deciduous broad-leaved forest.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.106 no.2
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• pp.130-149
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• 2017

The subalpine zone which is vulnerable to climate change could be functioning as a habitat for northern plant species especially in the Korean peninsula. In this study, classification of phytosociological community type and investigation on flora of vascular plants of Daecheongbong area in Mt. Seorak were carried out in order to provide a basic information for an ecological restoration and management of the vegetation through community ecological approach. Vegetation data were collected from 31 of quadrates from May to October, 2016. We analyzed vegetation types with phytosociological method, importance value with Curtis & McIntosh method, CCA using PC-ORD program tool, and flora of vascular plants. As a result, the forest vegetation was classified into Abies nephrolepis community. The community was divided 3 groups such as Pinus pumila group, Rhododendron brachycarpum group and Angelica decursiva group. Therefore, the vegetation had 3 kinds of units. The differential species group, it was classified into total of 7 species group units including Thuja koraiensis and Smilacina bicolor differential species group. The mean importance percentage (MIP) in VU 1 was shown Pinus koraiensis (24.1), A. nephrolepis (23.6) and Betula ermanii (10.5), and in VU 2, it was P. koraiensis (26.2), A. nephrolepis (20.8) and B. ermanii (10.5), and in VU 3, it was P. koraiensis (22.2), A. nephrolepis (16.4), B. ermanii (13.5) in the order, respectively. As for importance values of P. koraiensis and A. nephrolepis representative competition species, were different at each layers. The former (46.7) was higher than the latter (26.1) in tree layer, but the latter was higher than the former in subtree and, shrub and herb layers of VU 1. VU 2 and VU 3 also indicated the same tendency. P. pumila group and A. decursiva group were shown to have positive correlation with altitude and present species, respectively. The designated as the endemic plant was 11 taxa and, as the rare plant 24 taxa and 62.5% of vascular plant was northern plant species. It is necessary to continue further long-term monitoring of 3 vegetation units, IV of main competition species (P. koraiensis and A. nephrolepis) with stratum and main specific species (rare plants and endemic plants) considering vegetation science and, population and community ecology approaches.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.474-484
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• 2015

This study aims at providing exercisable basic data for the management of protection areas in China by investigating into their legal system such as current laws, regulations, other relevant laws and international treaties and the management system such as history, classification, organization, personnel, funds and main management work.. In People's Republic of China (1954), several laws have been enacted in succession, such as Environment Law (1989), Regulations of Natural Reserves (1994) and Land Management Methods of Natural Reserves (1995). The development process of China's natural reserves is divided into the following five phases. In the initial phase (1956-1965), about 20 natural reserves were established; in the lag phase (1966-1978), a part of the natural reserves was destroyed under the influence of the Great Cultural Revolution; in the development phase (1979-1998), a normative legal system began to appear after the reform and opening up; in the leap phase (1999-2006), the number of natural reserves increased dramatically; in the stable phase ( 2007-present), the protection and restoration of the ecological environment have been implemented, and the supervision and management have been strengthened. China has established natural reserves of national, provincial, municipal and county levels according to the relevant laws. According to the resource categories, natural reserves can be divided into natural ecosystem reserves, wildlife reserves and natural relic reserves. The Ministry of Forestry is in charge of 1,958 natural reserves which account for 74.2 % of the total natural reserves in China. In China, there are 1,384 natural reserves (52.4 %) for which management institutions have been set up. 1,702 natural reserves (64.47 %) are equipped with management staff, showing a higher ratio than the natural reserves which have set up management institutions. China has established natural reserves of national level, provincial level, municipal level and county level according to law. According to the resource categories, natural reserves can be divided into natural ecosystem reserves, wildlife reserves, and natural relic reserves. The Ministry of Forestry is in charge of 1,958 natural reserves which accounts for 74.2 % of the total natural reserves in China. In China, there are 1,384 natural reserves (52.4 %) which have set up management institutions. 1,702 natural reserves (64.47 %) are equipped with management staff with a higher ratio than the natural reserves which have set up management institutions.