ISSN : 1229-3857(Print)
ISSN : 2288-131X(Online)
ISSN : 2288-131X(Online)
Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology Vol.39 No.2 pp.179-189
DOI : https://doi.org/10.13047/KJEE.2025.39.2.179
DOI : https://doi.org/10.13047/KJEE.2025.39.2.179
Evaluation of Ecosystem Services in a Specific Area of Forest Biodiversity Using InVEST Model - Focusing on Habitat Quality and Carbon -
Abstract
The natural environment is closely linked to human life and provides various benefits, known as ecosystem services. This study evaluates three types of ecosystem services: Forest Genetic Resource Reserve (Mt. Gajisan, Mt Bulmosan., Gadeokdo Island), Wetland Protected Area (Sajapyeong Mountain Wetland, Mt. Sinbulsan Weltand, Hwaeomneup Wetland) and Wind-Hole (Milyang Ice Valley, Bing-gye Valley, Mt. Hamhwasan). Habitat Quality and Carbon Storage were quantitatively analyzed using the InVEST model. The habitat quality analysis results showed an overall average of 0.83, with higher values inside protected areas. However, Sajapyeong Mountain Wetland had lower internal quality due to the presence of artificial grasslands. Larger areas generally had higher habitat quality and lower threat levels. This confirms that human interference and development are direct threats and closely related to habitat degradation. In the carbon storage analysis, Mt. Bulmosan recoreded the highest value, while Bing-gye Valley had the lowest. Larger areas stored more carbon, with aboveground biomass contributing the most. Sajapyeong Mountain Wetland showed the largest decline in carbon storage, likely due to human-induced land changes. By quantitatively assessing the significance of specific forest biodiversity areas, this study provides scientific evidence essential for conservation strategy development. In particular, by evaluating ecosystem services in Wind-Hole, a potential candidate for protected area designation, this research can serve as foundational data for assessing its potential as an OECM. Additionally, it is expected to provide useful information for establishing customized conservation policies that consider the diversity and uniqueness of protected areas.