Current status and characteristics of the Ecological and Natural Map in the Republic of Korea

Abstract

The integration and management of various national ecological assessments are essential for the benefit of the public. In the Republic of Korea, the Ecological and Natural Map (ENM) serves as a comprehensive platform that synthesizes the results of national ecosystem surveys into a unified system interface. To provide the current status and characteristics of our policy, we analyzed the ENMs and related appeals from 2014 to 2022. Following their implementation, the ENM Guidelines underwent nine revisions, with most of the revisions pertaining to appeals. Nine public announcements were made regarding the ENM, resulting in a gradual expansion of the conservation area. The data also showed a consistent increasing trend in appeals. Most of the 1st-grade areas in the ENM regions where appeals were filed have significantly decreased. The larger area or the smaller population density of an administrative distinct, the more appeals were filed. Our study presents information regarding the current status of the ENM system. The analysis of the operational direction and indicator trends across the 16-year period since the establishment of the system provides valuable insights for similar systems.