Development of landscape conservation value map of Jeju island, Korea for integrative landscape management and planning using conservation value of landscape typology

Abstract

Understanding landscape as a socio-ecological system where systematic interactions occur among diverse ecosystems and human society is necessary for a sustainable landscape and resource management. However, many countries with rapid economic growth, including South Korea, depend on conventional planning and policy decisions to meet increasing demands for the use of specific natural resources. Such resource-oriented planning and policy which neglect considerations for the surrounding landscape can result in conflicts of interest and regulation. We designed a landscape conservation value (LCV) map of Jeju Island, Korea to overcome rising managerial and policy issues with the provision of systematic perspectives of landscape. With a consideration for natural and human-modified characteristics of the landscape, we used landform and land cover data to create fundamental landscape types. Then, the LCV was assigned to each type by a board of landscape experts. Within a study region, we observed relatively high values in registered protected areas and unique landscapes, and areas where high and low values are aligned. The resultant LCV map can identify areas that potentially require an integrated approach to prevent adverse effects caused by a conventional approach.