• Journal of Environmental Policy
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.45-70
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• 2006

China has achieved great economic growth above 9% annual since it changed to more of a market economy system by its reform and open-door policy. At the same time, China has experienced severe ecological deterioration, such as air and water pollutions caused by its rapid urbanization and industrialization. China is now confronted with environmental pollution and ecological deterioration at a critical point, at which economic development in China is limited. Moreover, environmental problems in China have become a lit fuse for social fluctuation beyond pollution problems. The root and background of environmental problems in China, firstly, are its government's lack of understanding of these problems and incorrect economic policies affected by political and ideological prejudice. Secondly, the plundering of resources, 'the principle of development first' which didn't consider environmental sustainability is another source of environmental deterioration in China. In addition, a huge population and poverty in China have increased the difficulty in solving its environmental problems, and in fact have accelerated them. The Chinese government has established many environmental laws and institutions, increased environmental investments, and is enlarging the participation of NGOs and the general public in some limited scale to solve its environmental problems. However, it has not obtained effective results because of the lack of environmental investments owing to the government's limit of the development phase, a structural limit of law enforcement and local protectionism, and the limit of political independency in NGOs and the lack of public participation in China. It seems that China remains in the stage of 'economic development first, environmental protection second', contrary to its catch-phrase of 'the harmony between economic development and environmental protection'. China is now confronted with dual pressure both domestically and abroad because of deepening environmental problems. There are growing public's protests and demonstrations in China in response to the spread of damage owing to environmental pollution and ecological deterioration. On the other hand, international society, in particular neighboring countries, regard China as a principal cause of ecological disaster. In the face of this dual pressure, China is presently contemplating a 'recycling economy' that helps sustainable development through the structural reform of industries using too much energy and through more severe law enforcement than now. Therefore, it is desirable to promote regional cooperation more progressively and practically in the direction of building China's ability to solve environmental problems.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.483-490
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• 2020

This study aims to construct an ecological community and lay the foundation for sustainable development in the Korean Peninsula by promoting cooperation between the South and North Korea in the non-political and no-military natural environment sector under the rapidly changing inter-Korean relations. It analyzed South Korea's aid and international cooperation projects in natural environmental sectors in North Korea and examined North Korea's national plan and the cooperation projects that North Korea proposed to the international community to identify potential cooperation projects. It selected 15 potential cooperation projects and 6 crucial factors to be considered in prioritizing the projects through case studies and the first expert survey (five persons). The six crucial factors were i) urgency, ⅱ) linkage between North and South Korea (ecological community in the Korean Peninsula), ⅲ) contribution to sustainable development (prosperity), i) North Korea's acceptability, ⅴ) cooperation conditions and budget, and ⅵ) project sustainability. The second expert survey (14 persons) focused on prioritizing the 15 potential inter-Korean cooperation projects in line with six crucial factors. The 15 potential inter-Korean cooperation projects in the natural environment were comprehensively reviewed and scored based on the six crucial factors. The resulting priority projects were identified as follow: i) Mt. Seorak - Mt. Keumgang International Peace Park, ⅱ) support and cooperation for agro-forestry, ⅲ) joint conservation projects for internationally important migratory birds (such as Black-faced Spoonbills and Cranes), iv) inter-Korean ecotourism linkage and promotion, and ⅴ) establishment of integrated information system on leading ecosystems and biodiversity in the Korean Peninsula. The priority cooperation projects presented in this study are based on the perception of experts engaged in inter-Korean natural environmental cooperation in consideration of existing cooperation cases and conditions. For the actual implementation of these potential projects, a systematic approach, including the formation of consensus between North and South Koreas and the creation of a cooperative network with suitable partners suitable for each project's characteristics, would be needed.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.1-11
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• 2012

This study focused on establishing a natural rainwater circulation system using rainwater meant for relatively large urban development projects such as a new town development. In particular, when the location selection techniques for individual elements of a natural rainwater circulation system are developed for the integrated rainwater management, changes in hydrological environment will be minimized and the natural water circulation would be restored to realize the low impact development (LID). In that case, not only the excess will be reduced but water space and green areas in a city would also increase to improve the urban sustainability. First of all, there were five elements selected for the location selection of a rainwater circulation system intended for the integrated rainwater management: rainwater collection, infiltration, filtration, retention and movement spaces. After generating these items, the location selection items and criteria were defined for each of the five elements. For a technique to apply the generated evaluation items and criteria, a grid cell analysis was conducted based m the suitability index theory, and thematic maps were overlapped through suitability assessment of each element and graded based on the suitability index. The priority areas were identified for each element. The developed technique was applied to a site where Gim-cheon Innovation City development is planned to review its feasibility and limitations. The combined score of the overlapped map for each element was separated into five levels: very low, low, moderate, high and very high. Finally, it was concluded that creating a rainwater circulation system conceptual map m the current land use plan based on the outcome of the application would be useful in building a water circulation system at the de1ailed space planning stage after environmental and ecological planning. Furthermore, we use the results of this study as a means for environment-friendly urban planning for sustainable urban development.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.12-21
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• 2020

This study aims to implement the Sustainability Evaluation Framework of Korea Natural Parks to county parks in Gyeongsangnam-do, and to review the performance status of management effectiveness evaluation (MEE) and identify factors that influence the improvement of management effectiveness in protected areas. County park officers evaluated current management using this framework that was developed based on the MEE framework designed by the Korean Ministry of Environment. Among the principal values of county parks, 'natural and ecological' is indicated as the most important, followed by 'cultural and historic value' and 'leisure and recreation'. Natural disasters and climate change, visitor impact-inappropriate visitor behavior are indicated as current threats, and three county parks administrators viewed that there was no particular threat to their park. According to MEE results, the most effective management fields were 'State of cultural and historic value', 'State of leisure and recreational value', 'Current state of principal value'. The comparatively weaker fields were 'Threatened species management', 'Invasive species management', 'Management monitoring and evaluation'. The effects of sustainable management on county parks were analyzed through a regression analysis, and the influence of management factors reveal 'Annual budget', will impact attaining higher management scores. This study presents the current management information about county parks and provides support for the basis for the planning of county parks in Korea, suggesting the influencing factor.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.102-110
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• 2011

The study aims to provide future implications for planning nature trails called Dullegil in the national park located in the city in Korea as new visiting culture for sustainability of environment and use. The telephone survey used quota sampling with 300 Seoulite ages from 20 to 69 by area, gender, and age, which was conducted to find out the perception on a Dullegil in Bukhansan National Park. The result shows more than 65% of Seoulite go climbing and aiming the mountain top as a general visitor behavior. The intention to use Dullegil was very high at 58%, which forecasts the use of Dullegil as a substitute for a trail to the intensified mountain top. However, the effectiveness of Dullegil to divert intensive use could be limited as the major group of climbers showed relatively low intention to use Dullegil as an alternative. As for the management direction, majority favors balanced management between use and conservation, even if conservation was preferred to use. Most important guiding principle for building Dullegil was conservation of environment, the planning direction should be oriented to conserve the ecological environment of Bukhansan, and to enjoy its value. Facilities for visitor safety was most needed. Most preferable time and length were 1~3 hours and 11~20km, each. This study has a limitation as the site was limited to Bukhansan and potential demand for use was analyzed with the sample of Seoulite only. To come up with the results generally applicable, more detailed future researches by the visitor segmentation, use behavior, and demand are needed.

• Journal of the Korean Geographical Society
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• v.49 no.5
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• pp.656-674
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• 2014

The objective of this study was to examine the distinctiveness and generality of landforms of the Korean peninsula, and further discover geomorphological principle that can be applied to land and environmental management in Korea. The research targeted East Asia and Korea, with terrain analysis conducted at a continental scale, national scale, and regional scale sequentially. East Asia displays complicated characteristics and evolutionary history of geotectonics, but exhibits distinct northeast-southwest geomorphological structure and connectivity at the continental level. While the Korean peninsula follows this pattern on a continental scale, it also features NNW-SSE direction (Nangrim and Taebaek Mountains) geomorphological connectivity that intersects at a right angle. From a national perspective, the Korean peninsula hosts the most diverse geomorphological features within East Asia. It does not have a high average altitude, but has relatively high slope angle and intricate topographical distribution in comparison to neighboring areas. While the mountains and plains of the Korean peninsula display a smooth connection, geomorphologically similar areas such as Shikhote-Alin, Huanan in China, and Japan have clear characteristics that divide the mountains and plains. Despite the distinctiveness and diversity that appear in East Asian topography on the regional scale, the connectivity that links the top of mountain (hill) to stream is identical among all areas as a general rule. It is collectively considering the connectivity and the geomorphological and ecological processes that arise within this connectivity that will serve as the focal point for sustainable landscape management.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Traditional Landscape Architecture
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.87-98
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• 2015

The natural monument forests (no.374) located at Pyeongdae-ri in Jeju island are described and classified by using phytosociological methods and numerical analysis. The purpose of this paper is to identify the ecological character of Torreya nucifera forests between natural habitat and artificial habitat, as well as their spatial and phytogeographical distribution in the Korea. The comparison of forests between Pyeongdae-ri and other regions was analyzed by using a non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis (NMDS) and hierarchical clustering. On the basis of the 12 phytosociological $relev{\acute{e}}s$, the vegetation of T. nucifera dominant forest in Jeju island was arranged in one syntaxon (Alangium platanifolium-Torreya nucifera community included typicum and one subcommunity) within Camellietea. The community of T. nucifera dominant forests were characterized floristically and ecologically. We discussed diagnostic species with references, and proposed a few important diagnostic species (Ilex crenata for. microphylla, Acer palmatum, Zingiber mioga, Mercurialis leiocarpa, Osmorhiza aristata, Mecodium wrightii etc.) to explain condition of the habitat and synecological character. The communities were described by concerning their edaphical and syndynamical niche; we discussed their total distribution in Korea. In most forests they are widespread in Korean peninsular and their distribution is primarily determined by artificial plantation and periodical management. The forests consisted of T. nucifera have developed from natural environment element and artificial management. As a result they have very unique characters with the floristic, structural characterization and distribution. Furthermore, we identified that they need to apposite management for sustainability.

• Journal of the Korean association of regional geographers
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• v.12 no.6
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• pp.645-655
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• 2006

Apsan, as part of the main ecosystem of Daegu city, plays an important role for maintaining the environmental sustainability of the large city. Especially varieties of valuable resources, which are cultural, historical, biological, geomorphological and geological, are distributed around Apsan. Therefore the positive preservation plan is required. This paper aims to examine the environmental characteristics of Apsan and then suggests the following ideas for the environmental preservation and sustainable use of Apsan. 1) 'The New Map of Apsan' that includes more exact information needs to be produced. 2) The Apsan ecosystem management plan should be made under the precision natural ecology investigation. 3) For the protection of inanimate object resources, such as geographical feature and geology, the Geotourism Department needs to be established within Daegu metropolitan office of education or the tourism division of Daegu city government. 4) An effective environmental-impact-assessment system should be officially established. 5) the positive administrative and financial support system led by local NGOs is required for the Apsan environmental protection activities and education. 6) It is necessary to bring out into the open prayer sites to prevent forest fire. 7) 'The nature rest year system' enforcement is required to restore the damaged ecological space of Apsan.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.13 no.11
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• pp.59-67
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• 2015

Purpose - The number of consumers adopting a lifestyle of health and sustainability has recently increased with the rise of trends in healthy living. The size of the organic agricultural product market has also increased given that these consumers prefer consuming environmentally friendly products that promote family health. However, awareness of organic agricultural products remains insufficient because of the characteristics of the Korean organic agriculture system, which only focuses on food safety inspection. The object of this research is to suggest a policy approach to increase understanding and to expand the purchasing of organic agricultural products by analyzing the influence of customer recognition of such products on their willingness to repurchase. Research design, data, and methodology - This study used binomial logistic regression analysis with the aim of explaining the effects of consumers' socio-demographic characteristics, their awareness of the equivalence arrangement for organic food and of the abolishment of low-pesticide agricultural product certification, and their viewing of negative broadcasts about organic agricultural products on their repurchase intention of such products. A questionnaire survey was conducted with 655 respondents who were in their 20s, lived either in Seoul or in its metropolitan area, and had purchased organic agricultural products. Result - From the results of the analysis, the majority of the respondents recognized organic agricultural products, but they found their prices to be expensive. The majority of the respondents were also aware of the certification system and the reliability of organic agricultural products. However, the results indicate that efforts need to be made to recover consumer trust as many respondents stated that their trust levels in these products were low. In general, those purchasing organic agricultural products were satisfied, but those answering "very satisfied" were not in the majority. Binomial logistic regression analysis results revealed that repurchase intention decreased as consumers viewed a greater number of negative broadcasts about these products. On the other hand, repurchase intention increased as they became more aware of the abolishment of low-pesticide certification. Repurchase intention also increased as income increased, as the number of family members decreased, and when a consumer was a member of a consumer organization. In addition, the older the consumers were who watched the TV programs, the smaller the number of family members that were aware of the abolishment of low-pesticide agricultural product certification and, the higher the income of the consumers aware of organic equivalence arrangement, the greater their repurchase intention. Conclusion - External stimuli, such as negative TV programs on organic agricultural products and the abolishment of the low-pesticide agricultural product certification, relevant social issues and systems, influence consumer repurchase intention. To that end, positive environmental and ecological broadcasting about organic agricultural products would contribute to an increase in purchasing. Additionally, this could be used for promotion and marketing plans as the results indicate that trust in organic agricultural products would cause a positive repurchasing effect.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.42 no.spc
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• pp.20-28
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• 2009

The sustainability of conventional agriculture which is characterized by input dependent and ecologically simplified food production system is vague. Chemicals and present practices used in agriculture are not only costly but also have widespread implications on human and animal health, food quality and safety and environmental quality. Thus there is a need for alternative farming practices to sustain food production for the escalating population and conserve environment for future generations. The present research scenario in the area of plant microbe interactions for maintaining sustainable agriculture suggests that the level of internal regulation in agro-ecosystems is largely dependent on the level of plant and microbial diversity present in the soil. In agro-ecosystems, biodiversity performs a variety of ecological services beyond the production of food, including recycling of nutrients, regulation of microclimate and local hydrological processes, suppression of undesirable organisms and detoxification of noxious chemicals. Controlling the soil microflora to enhance the predominance of beneficial and effective microorganisms can help improve and maintain soil chemical and physical properties. The role of beneficial soil microorganisms in sustainable productivity has been well construed. Some plant bacteria referred to as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can contribute to improve plant growth, nutrient uptake and microbial diversity when inoculated to plants. Term PGPR was initially used to describe strains of naturally occurring non-symbiotic soil bacteria have the ability to colonize plant roots and stimulate plant growth PGPR activity has been reported in strains belonging to several other genera, such as Azotobacter, Azospirillum, Arthrobacter Bacillus, Burkhokderia, Methylobacterium, and Pseudomonas etc. PGPR stimulate plant growth directly either by synthesizing hormones such as indole acetic acid or by promoting nutrition, for example, by phosphate solubilization or more generally by accelerating mineralization processes. They can also stimulate growth indirectly, acting as biocontrol agents by protecting the plant against soil borne fungal pathogens or deleterious bacteria. Present review focuses on some recent developments to evolve strategies for better biotechnological exploitation of PGPR's.