Korea Forest Service Shifts Baekdudaegan Master Plan Focus Toward Ecosystem Restoration

The biodiversity value of the Baekdudaegan will be further enhanced. On January 14, the Korea Forest Service announced the "3rd Baekdudaegan Protection Master Plan (2026-2035)" based on this objective.

The master plan is established and implemented every ten years to efficiently protect and manage the Baekdudaegan, in accordance with the enforcement of the "Act on the Protection of the Baekdudaegan" in 2005.

Jukryeong in Danyang County, Chungbuk, one of the top 20 Baekdudaegan attractions. Provided by the Korea Forest Service

The third master plan focuses on ecosystem restoration by designating key species, fostering regionally specialized landscapes and cultural areas, and introducing a management effectiveness evaluation system.

While the first and second master plans focused on designating protected areas and establishing a stable protection foundation, the third plan prioritizes ecosystem restoration over the next ten years in response to climate and biodiversity crises.

To this end, the Korea Forest Service will strengthen ecosystem management to address climate and biodiversity crises. The agency will advance a science- and technology-based management system by expanding data sharing among relevant ministries and building a comprehensive survey database.

Additionally, to maintain forest ecosystem functions, new key species will be designated and systematic management plans will be developed and implemented. The third master plan also includes a phased approach to restoring damaged areas of the Baekdudaegan, classifying them by type and tailoring restoration efforts to local conditions.

The plan also emphasizes enhancing the multifaceted value of biodiversity and promoting inclusive coexistence. The strategy includes strengthening connections between regional landscape resources and the Baekdudaegan, centered on six ecological education centers nationwide. Residents of protected areas will be designated as "Baekdudaegan Guardians" to expand their participation in protection and management, thereby fostering the foundation for joint growth with mountain villages.

To establish a foundation for ecosystem protection, the Korea Forest Service will identify areas with high conservation value near protected zones and designate them as new protected areas. The agency also plans to increase policy consultation meetings involving local residents, civic groups, and other stakeholders. Requirements for prior consultation on development activities around the Baekdudaegan will be reviewed, and post-implementation monitoring will be strengthened. Laws and manuals will be updated in line with changes in domestic and international protection policies.

Measures to encourage public participation and communication will also be promoted. The "Baekdudaegan Platform" will be developed to provide information such as the status of rare and endemic plants and ecological tourism maps. Public action guidelines for Baekdudaegan protection will be established to foster greater public awareness and engagement.

Furthermore, the third master plan includes strategies to utilize the Baekdudaegan as a space for communication and harmony in line with inter-Korean relations. It also aims to strengthen international cooperation by sharing best practices for Baekdudaegan conservation through international organizations and pursuing joint projects.

To implement the third master plan, the Korea Forest Service will work closely with relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, as well as the six provinces (32 cities and counties) that comprise the Baekdudaegan protected areas.

Kim Inho, Commissioner of the Korea Forest Service, stated, "The Baekdudaegan is a core ecological asset essential for conserving the biodiversity of Korea's ecosystems. We will continue to develop and implement rational protection and management policies for the Baekdudaegan that the public can truly appreciate."