1. Research objectives and methods

▮ Research background and objectives

○  The Mangyeong and Dongjin Rivers form the main river ecological axis in Jeollabok-do, South Korea, providing habitats for wildlife. Despite its high ecological value, various development projects have been implemented in the area, resulting in a decline in the ecological value and quality of ecosystem services in the region.

○ In accordance with the policy for the balanced development of rivers for nature and human society, as recommended in the proposal "Value Creation of Ecological and Environmental Assets" in the 8th Jeollabuk-do Governor’s Pledge, we aimed to inventory the ecological and environmental assets of the Mangyeong River and Dongjin River, conduct an ecosystem service evaluation of key assets, and propose a plan for ecosystem conservation and value creation.

▮ Research scope and methods

○  First, we analyzed prior research and policy trends related to ecological and environmental assets and ecosystem services promoted by the international community, developed countries, the Korean government, and other local governments; then, we analyzed cases where ecological and environmental assets were used to promote ecosystem services.

○ Second, we interviewed experts in a focus group to collect their opinions on ecological and environmental assets to be conserved or utilized, and the direction of policies to promote ecosystem services. Using this as a reference, we compiled a list of ecological and environmental assets in seven cities and counties (Jeonju-si, Wanju-gun, Iksan-si, Kimje-si, Gunsan-si, Jeongeup-si, and Buan-gun), including the Mangyeong and Dongjin rivers. We also evaluated ecosystem services in the categories of carbon storage, carbon sequestration, and ecotourism.

○ Third, based on the inventory of ecological and environmental assets and the assessment of ecosystem services, we identified strategies and tasks that are in line with the policy direction to improve the value of the ecological and environmental assets and ecosystem services of the Mangyeong and Dongjin Rivers and proposed institutional improvements to meet this objective.

2. Conclusion and policy recommendations

▮ Trends in policies for ecological and environmental assets and ecosystem services

○ The international community and Korea classify and evaluate the ecosystem services provided by ecological and environmental assets and use them in the policy-making process. They also manage ecological and environmental assets and ecosystem services and operate the payment for ecosystem services based on the Biodiversity Act. They also use an ecosystem service analysis model to evaluate the ecosystem services provided by the region to support policy decisions.

▮ Inventory of ecological and environmental assets and results of ecosystem service assessment of the Mangyeong and Dongjin Rivers

○  A total of 2,318 species were found in three cities and counties (Gunsan-si, Iksan-si, and Gimje-si) along the Mangyeong and Dongjin Rivers, including 34 endangered wildlife species, 35 protected species, 152 species subject to export approval, 23 national climate change indicator species, and 31 endemic Korean species. Many birds were found in and around the mainstream of the river, and there were many species discovery points around Geumgang and Geumgang Mountain range(Jeongmaek), Mt. Moak, Eunpa Amusement Park, and Mt. Cheongam.

○  Six cities and counties (Gunsan-si, Iksan-si, Gimje-si, Jeonju-si, Jeong-eup-si, and Wanju-gun) along the Mangyeong and Dongjin Rivers sequestered a total of 23.76 million tC of carbon with an economic value of KRW 1,263.2 billion. This is equivalent to the annual carbon dioxide emissions of approximately 45.37 million passenger cars (1.78 times the carbon dioxide emitted by the 25.46 million registered passenger cars in Korea).

○  The carbon sequestration of seven municipalities (Gunsan-si, Iksan-si, Gimje-si, Jeonju-si, Jeongeup-si, Wanju-gun, and Buan-gun) along the Mangyeong River and Dongjin River was 321,374 tC/yr in 2020, representing a total decrease in carbon sequestration of 5,204 tC/yr (2% decrease) over the 20 years since 2000. Using Flickr data to evaluate ecotourism in the seven cities and counties of the Mangyeong River and Dongjin River, we found that PUD values are mainly concentrated in natural and cultural tourist destinations.

▮ Strategies and tasks for the conservation and use of ecological and environmental assets and ecosystem services

○  Based on the data collected from expert interviews in a focus group and the results of the ecosystem service assessment, we present strategies and tasks for conserving the assets of the Mangyeong and Dongjin Rivers and using them to improve the development of local communities. The tasks are as follows: 1) evaluate ecological and environmental assets and ecosystem services and establish a decision support system, 2) identify the areas to activate Jeonbuk-type  ecosystem services, 3) promote value creation by increasing public awareness and private sector participation, 4) promote the conservation and resilience of ecological and environmental assets by designating protected areas and nature

coexistence areas(OECMs), and 5) establish an education and support system through the cooperation of local governments, experts, and NGOs.

▮ Policy recommendations for ecological and environmental assets and ecosystem services

○ Through cooperation and role-sharing between the central government and the Jeonllabuk-do, an inventory of the region's ecological and environmental assets should be established. We also propose periodically evaluating the ecosystem  services provided by the region’s ecological and environmental assets and promoting projects that can maintain or enhance ecosystem services as regional development tasks.

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