An Ecological Perspective on Nexus and Climate Adaptation. Seungjun Lee, Ph.D.

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1 An Ecological Perspective on Nexus and Climate Adaptation Seungjun Lee, Ph.D.

2 Ecology under Climate Change Marine taxonomic groups (IPCC AR5 WGII) Some species will be unable to track climate in the absence of human intervention. Species groups and climate velocities (IPCC AR5 WGII)

3 Ecological Complexity An example: Marsh estuary system (Montague, 2007)

4 Korean Peninsula Baekdudaegan (a primary mountain range) - Korean traditional concept - 1,400 km - 14 branches of mountain ranges - 10 major rivers 1 primary mtn. range 1 secondary mtn. range 13 tertiary mtn. ranges 10 major rivers (2,750m) (1,638m) (1,708m) Ecology (1,563m) Culture Biodiversity Ecological network Cultural heritage recreational (1,567m) (1,614m) Values (1,915m) Geography Community Geographical integration Industry Mtn. resources Tourism Korea Forest Service

5 Coupled Social-Ecological Systems Mountain & Forests Community In rural areas, ecological connection among mountains, forests, and aquatic ecosystems is crucial for the livelihood of communities. Aquatic ecosystems Half of South Korean living in this area In urban areas, well-conserved aquatic ecosystems connected with mountains and forests are crucial for the livelihood of people in cities. Han-river

6 Ecological Network Core areas biodiversity conservation, key natural or semi-natural ecosystems Corridors linkages between core areas, continuous strips or stepping stones to stimulate or allow species migration Buffer zones provide a smooth transition between core areas and surrounding land use Sustainable use areas areas that can come under more intensive land use

7 Conservation and Restoration Connection among core areas are essential for the adaptation of species to climate change Building ecological networks of large areas Short-term goal By the central government A backbone of an ecological network based on mountain range Mid-term goal Expanding Cooperation between the central and local governments Buffer zone Long-term goal Buffer zone Park et al Developing area Developing area

8 Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) DMZ % (907.3 km2) area of Korean peninsula DMZ CCZ BLA NLL Military Demarcation Line SLL - Minimal human intervention since the end of Korean War - Ecologically wellconserved area between South and North Korea - Needs Assessment and management Korean Ministry of Environment, 2009

9 Ecology of DMZ Field assessment since ~2009: 17 points in DMZ central & western , 2012, 2013: CCZ (Civilian Control Zone) Assessment results (2012) - Diverse conservation areas including wetlands, mountains, waterfalls, talus, tor, etc - Various species including endangered ones - Plants: 616 species - Benthic macroinvertebrates: 9 endemic species - Insects: 96~553 species depending on mountains - Freshwater fish: 49 species - Amphibian: 11 species - Reptiles: 8 species - Birds: 121 species - Mammalia: 19 species DMZ CCZ Requires military cooperation Investigation available Korean Ministry of Environment, 2012

10 Climate Change around DMZ Species need to move to adapt to the changing climate. We need to manage the ecosystems of the DMZ. Major challenges Conflicts between South and North Korea International political cooperation

11 Landscape around DMZ Korean Ministry of Environment,

12 Landscape around DMZ Korean Ministry of Environment, 2009

13 Summary Due to ecological complexity, climate change may seriously alter structures and functions of ecosystems. Spatial movement, adaptation, or extinction of species following the climate-driven alteration of ecosystems will be challenging in the future. The complex interconnectedness among mountain ridges, forests, and aquatic ecosystems calls for urgent adaptation actions to climate change. The intact ecology of the DMZ between South and North Korea needs management or adaptation practices as well as peaceful resolution with international cooperation.