[AirUP, On Site] Guardians of Endangered Species at the National Institute of Ecology... From Wildlife Protection to Restoration

267 Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna Habitats
Largest Ecological Research Institute in Korea
'Ecorium' Transferred Five Major Climate Ecosystems
Showcasing 13 Disappearing Plant Species
Unique Habitat 'Mountain Wetlands' Created
Home to Zebidongjakot and Dokminari

Autumn scenery of the Ecorium at the National Institute of Ecology, where you can experience the ecosystems of the world's five major climates including the Korean Peninsula, tropical, desert, Mediterranean, temperate, and polar regions. (Source: National Institute of Ecology)

Amid the rapid increase in internationally endangered species due to ecosystem damage caused by recent climate change, the importance of the National Institute of Ecology is growing. It plays a leading role in improving ecological environments, from protecting endangered wild flora and fauna to restoration through investigation and research and development.

The National Institute of Ecology, established in 2013 under the Ministry of Environment, is the largest ecological research institution in South Korea. Located in Seocheon-gun, Chungnam Province, the institute's site covers 998,655㎡, equivalent to 140 times the size of a soccer field. Currently, a total of 267 species of plants and animals inhabit this area, including 60 species classified as endangered level 1 and 207 species as endangered level 2.

In particular, the Ecorium within the institute allows visitors to experience ecosystems from the five major global climates: the Korean Peninsula, tropical, desert, Mediterranean, temperate, and polar regions. Visitors can see the Gentoo penguin and Chinstrap penguin, the first Antarctic animals exhibited domestically, as well as carnivorous freshwater stingray species mainly found in the Amazon River basin. Additionally, the 'Korean Peninsula Forest' and 'Subtropical Forest,' which allow visitors to experience climates such as evergreen broadleaf forests, deciduous broadleaf forests, and boreal forests, are recreated, along with high mountain ecosystems like Hallasan and Baekdusan.

Public awareness campaigns to protect wild plants on the brink of extinction are also a major role of the National Institute of Ecology. According to the Ministry of Environment, the number of nationally designated endangered wild plant species is set to increase from 77 in 2012 to 95 this year. To support this, the institute plans to showcase 13 endangered wild plant species from the Jeju subtropical forest region under the theme 'Disappearing Plants' at the Ecorium from this month until the end of the year. This follows intensive research and restoration efforts since the opening of the Endangered Species Restoration Center in November 2018. Visitors can directly observe rare plants such as Jeju bracken fern and endangered level 1 wild plants like Mannyeon-kong and Nado-pungnan.

The National Institute of Ecology has also newly created a mountain wetland space that restores domestic forest ecosystems. Mountain wetlands are unique habitats with very high species diversity, exhibiting intermediate characteristics between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in forests. Here, visitors can see wetland plants such as the endangered level 2 species, Swertia bimaculata and Dokminari, as well as bryophytes and ferns. The institute has analyzed that the peat layer, soil formed by dead plants in forest wetlands, absorbs and stores approximately 370 million tons of carbon dioxide globally each year.

At the Polar Hall of the National Institute of Ecology, Gentoo penguins and Chinstrap penguins are the only species living in Korea. (Source: National Institute of Ecology)

In particular, bryophytes lack a cuticle layer on their leaf surfaces, making them highly absorbent of pollutants, and since their roots, stems, and leaves are not distinctly differentiated, they absorb air through their entire bodies, exhibiting excellent air purification capabilities. Utilizing this, the smart moss wall purifies the air breathed by up to 7,000 people per hour and absorbs about 12 kg of fine dust annually. It is known to reduce approximately 240 tons of carbon dioxide, equivalent to the carbon absorption capacity of 275 trees.

The National Institute of Ecology also conducts ecosystem research related to climate change. Through legally mandated commissioned research projects, it supports national policy formulation. Primarily, it surveys the status of natural environments nationwide to enhance biodiversity and provides environmental information by creating ecological and natural maps for efficient land management. Additionally, it comprehensively studies and monitors the ecological risks of Living Modified Organisms (LMOs) on domestic ecosystems through natural ecosystem risk assessments.

Interactive specialized ecological education programs are also offered to learn the importance of ecosystems. The ecological education project operates customized programs by target and type, from the general public to experts, helping acquire accurate ecological information and knowledge. This month, a three-day ecological education program for family visitors and children will be held from the 8th to the 10th. Accommodation facilities for ecological education are also provided.

Jo Do-sun, Director of the National Institute of Ecology, stated, "Facing an unprecedented climate change crisis today, global attention is focused on protecting natural environments and sustainable management. The National Institute of Ecology will do its best through leading ecological research to ensure that not only South Korea but also the global community can continuously enjoy the gifts of nature."