Selecting and applying quantification models for ecosystem services to forest ecosystems in South Korea

Choi, H. A., et al., 2016. Journal of Forestry Research

Original research (primary data)
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Abstract

There is growing interest in using ecosystem services to aid development of management strategies that target sustainability and enhance ecosystem support to humans. Challenges remain in the search for methods and indicators that can quantify ecosystem services using metrics that are meaningful in light of their high priorities. We developed a framework to link ecosystems to human wellbeing based on a stepwise approach. We evaluated prospective models in terms of their capacity to quantify national ecosystem services of forests. The most applicable models were subsequently used to quantify ecosystem services. The Korea Forest Research Institute model satisfied all criteria in its first practical use. A total of 12 key ecosystem services were identified. For our case study, we quantified four ecosystem functions, viz. water storage capacity in forest soil for water storage service, reduced suspended sediment for water purification service, reduced soil erosion for landslide prevention service, and reduced sediment yield for sediment regulation service. Water storage capacity in forest soil was estimated at 2142 t/ha, and reduced suspended sediment was estimated at 608 kg/ha. Reduced soil erosion was estimated at 77 m3/ha, and reduced sediment yield was estimated at 285 m3/ha. These results were similar to those reported by previous studies. Mapped results revealed hotspots of ecosystem services around protected areas that were particularly rich in biodiversity. In addition, the proposed framework illustrated that quantification of ecosystem services could be supported by the spatial flow of ecosystem services. However, our approach did not address challenges faced when quantifying connections between ecosystem indicators and actual benefits of services described.

Case studies

Basic information

  • Case ID: INT-108-1
  • Intervention type: Protection
  • Intervention description:

    protected area - Baekdudaegan Mountains, an area rich biodiversity (Heo et al. 2010). “In this area, ecological corridors are used to maintain linkages, conserve biodiversity, sustain ecosystem services, and restore cultural values. These corridors also provide water resources, climate regulation, timber, and forest products (Heo et al. 2010).

  • Landscape/sea scape ecosystem management: Yes
  • Climate change impacts Effect of Nbs on CCI Effect measures
    Reduced water quality  No effect water quality (Water purification) - Reduced suspended sediment (Precipitation (mm), suspended sediment concentration (ppm), runoff discharge (1/s))
    Reduced water availability  Positive Water availability - Water storage capacity in forest soil - Soil depth (cm), porosity (%)
    Mudslides / Landslides  Positive landslide prevention - Slope failure volume (m3), sediment yield (m3)
  • Approach implemented in the field: Yes
  • Specific location:

    Baekdudaegan mountains

  • Country: South Korea
  • Habitat/Biome type: Montane/Alpine |
  • Issue specific term: Not applicable

Evidence

  • Notes on intervention effectivness: This study uses an ecosystem service mapping approach for the entire country; main objective is to test quantification models for ecosystem services. Authors interpret results comparing ES in protected areas in the Baekdudaegan mountains to outside areas. For reduced soil erosion (service Landslide prevention) and water storage capacity (service water availability) in forest soil, hotspots with high levels of ecosystem services were distributed around Baekdudaegan Mountains, a protected area with rich biodiversity (Heo et al. 2010) (Fig. 3a, c). In this area, ecological corridors are used to maintain linkages, conserve biodiversity, sustain ecosystem services, and restore cultural values. These corridors also provide water resources, climate regulation, timber, and forest products (Heo et al. 2010). The reduced suspended sediment is generally uniformly distributed at national level with higher values concentrated around the capital region (Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi-do) (Fig. 3b, d).
  • Is the assessment original?: Yes
  • Broadtype of intervention considered: Not applicable
  • Compare effectivness?: No
  • Compared to the non-NBS approach: Not applicable
  • Report greenhouse gas mitigation?: No
  • Impacts on GHG: Not applicable
  • Assess outcomes of the intervention on natural ecosystems: No
  • Impacts for the ecosystem: Not reported
  • Ecosystem measures: n/a
  • Assess outcomes of the intervention on people: No
  • Impacts for people: Not reported
  • People measures: n/a
  • Considers economic costs: No
  • Economic appraisal conducted: No
  • Economic appraisal described:
  • Economic costs of alternative considered: No
  • Compared to an alternative: Not reported

Evaluation methodology

  • Type of data: Quantitative
  • Is it experimental: No
  • Experimental evalution done: Not applicable
  • Non-experimental evalution done: Empirical case study
  • Study is systematic: