■ Title :

Analyzing Ecosystem Service Trade-offs of Mangrove Forests in Vietnam to Inform Resilient Coastal Resource Management

■ Abstract :

Vietnam’s mangrove forests play a crucial role in providing numerous ecosystem services essential for local communities and the environment. However, the maximization of provisioning services for livelihoods has led to trade-offs that reduce supporting and regulating services. This study aims to analyze the trade-offs of ecosystem services provided by Vietnam’s mangrove forests through systems thinking and propose resilient management measures. The study first employs systems thinking to explore the issues of the socio-ecosystems of Vietnamese mangroves through dynamic thinking. Second, it identifies the key variables of each ecosystem service through causal thinking. Third, it analyzes the socio-ecological system of mangrove areas through feedback thinking. Fourth, it proposes resilient coastal resource management measures for Vietnam’s mangrove forests. This study presents strategies for resilient management in the face of ecosystem service trade-offs in mangrove forests. Strategies include planting diverse mangrove species, increasing connectivity of mangrove forests, promoting sustainable ecotourism, and establishing governance structures. These resilience strategies will contribute to the sustainability and resource conservation of Vietnam’s mangrove forest ecosystems and to stakeholder decision-making.

■ Keywords : System Thinking, Trade-offs, Resilience, Ecotourism, Sustainable Agriculture

■ Publication date : 2024.03

■ Journal : Journal of Korean System Dynamics Society

■ DOI : https://doi.org/10.32588/ksds.25.1.4

■ Title :

Green Space Management Strategies for Enhancing Ecosystem Services in Released Greenbelt Zones: Focused on Changwon-Si

■ Abstract :

Ecosystem functions and benefits are typically preserved through the designation of greenbelt zones. However, the lifting of these restrictions, often due to property and livelihood rights issues, directly diminishes ecosystem services in urban areas. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify changes in ecosystem services resulting from the release of greenbelt zones in Changwon-Si according to spatial and temporal dynamics based on systems thinking and to propose urban green management strategies to enhance ecosystem services. The results of this study were as follows: First, the release of greenbelt zones in Changwon-Si was primarily driven by the need for available land for economic development in the area. Second, through causal loop diagram analysis between the release of greenbelt zones and ecosystem services, it was observed that this release led to a decrease in the value of ecosystem services in agricultural areas, forests, wetlands, and grasslands. The fragmentation rate of green spaces emerged as a significant variable accelerating this process. Third, the continuous release of greenbelt zones and the promotion of development projects have resulted in a reduction of ecosystem services, thereby decreasing urban livability and increasing the occurrence of disasters and hazards. This system ultimately confirms the occurrence of the ‘tragedy of the commons’ in Changwon-Si, which in turn diminishes population and economic development. Furthermore, the ‘green space fragmentation rate’ has been identified as a key strategic factor exacerbating this phenomenon. Lastly, we propose enhancing the “diversity” of forested areas and promoting “connectivity” through the establishment of urban forests as part of green network management strategies to reduce green space fragmentation rates. These findings are expected to contribute to the development of management plans aimed at sustaining ecosystem service values in Changwon-Si, particularly in light of the complete release of greenbelt zones in the future.

■ Keywords : Greenbelt, Green Network, Land Cover Change, System Thinking, Causal Loop Diagram 

■ Publication date : 2024.03

■ Journal : Journal of Korean System Dynamics Society

■ DOI : https://doi.org/10.32588/ksds.25.1.7

■ Title :

Analyzing Residents' Perceptions of Rural Decline for Proposing Strategies to Revitalize the Region 

- Focusing on Jinan, Jeollabuk-do -

■ Abstract :

The purpose of this study is to examine residents' perspectives on factors contributing to rural decline, including population decrease and landscape degradation, with the goal of proposing strategies to revitalize rural spaces in response to these challenges. After exploring rural decline issues in Jinan, a questionnaire was developed based on a review of existing research. Following this, participants were selected, and Focus Group Interviews(FGI) were conducted. Through the analysis of the findings, strategies for local revitalization were suggested in four sectors. Based on the research findings, there is a need to reassess public transportation and vacant property projects. On the social front, preventing the misuse of rural relocation policies and enhancing residential environments through spatial clarity are essential. Environmentally, clustering renewable energy and livestock facilities and attracting educational facilities are necessary to minimize disruption to rural landscapes. From a governance perspective, fostering entrepreneurship in rural tourism and business models utilizing the local landscape is crucial for an increase in regional visits. This study holds significance by emphasizing the practical situation of rural decline, steering away from resource-centric or business-focused policies. It underscores the potential usefulness of integrating this understanding into detailed planning within policies aimed at tackling rural decline.

■ Keywords : Focus Group Interview, Residents' Perception, Rural Area, Rural Decline, Rural Revitalization, Qualitative Research Methods 

■ Publication date : 2024.02

■ Journal : Journal ㅇf the Korean Society ㅇf Rural Planning

■ DOI : https://doi.org/10.7851/ksrp.2024.30.1.043

■ Title :

Analyzing the Socio-Ecological System of Bees to Suggest Strategies for Green Space Planning to Promote Urban Beekeeping

■ Abstract :

Pollinators are organisms that carry out the pollination process of plants and include Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Diptera, and Coleoptera. Among them, bees not only pollinate plants but also improve urban green spaces damaged by land use changes, providing a habitat and food for birds and insects. Today, however, the number of pollinating plants is decreasing due to issues such as early flowering due to climate change, fragmentation of green spaces due to urbanization, and pesticide use, which in turn leads to a decline in bee populations. The decline of bee populations directly translates into problems, such as reduced biodiversity in cities and decreased food production. Urban beekeeping has been proposed as a strategy to address the decline of bee populations. However, there is a problem asurban beekeeping strategies are proposed without considering the complex structure of the socio-ecological system consisting of bees foraging and pollination activities and are therefore unsustainable. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the socio-ecological system of honeybees, which are pollinators, structurally using system thinking and propose a green space planning strategy to revitalize urban beekeeping. For this study, previous studies that centered on the social and ecological system of bees in cities were collected and reviewed to establish the system area and derive the main variables for creating a causal loop diagram. Second, the ecological structure of bees’ foraging and pollination activities and the structure of bees’ ecological system in the city were analyzed, as was the social-ecological system structure of urban beekeeping by creating an individual causal loop diagram. Finally, the socio-ecological system structure of honey bees was analyzed from a holistic perspective through the creation of an integrated causal loop diagram. Citizen participation programs, local government investment, and the creation of urban parks and green spaces in idle spaces were suggestedas green space planning strategies to revitalize urban beekeeping. The results of this study differ from previous studies in that the ecological structure of bees and the social structure of urban beekeeping were analyzed from a holistic perspective using systems thinking to propose strategies, policy recommendations, and implications for introducing sustainable urban beekeeping.

■ Keywords : Pollination; System Thinking; Vacant Lands; Planting Planning; Urban Ecosystem 

■ Publication date : 2024.02

■ Journal : Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture

■ DOI : https://doi.org/10.9715/KILA.2024.52.1.046

■ Title :

How to manage urban disturbances: Focused on social-ecological vulnerability to fine dust pollution

■ Abstract :

Since the pattern of fine dust pollution varies regionally, it is necessary to identify areas vulnerable to fine dust pollution based on local community and environmental infrastructure and then plan green infrastructure for these areas. The purpose of this study is to analyze the suitability area of green infrastructure systems to improve urban resilience with regards to fine dust pollution. Regarding the research methods, first, a search for previous studies is conducted to establish an evaluation index for the resilience to fine dust pollution. Second, data on the environmental and social factors of the case study site (Suwon, Republic of Korea) are collected and mapped based on the resilience evaluation indices established for fine dust pollution. Third, these indices are used to confirm that regional differences caused by landscape fragmentation exist with regards to resilience to fine dust pollution. This study yields two key outcomes. Firstly, the indicators associated with resilience against fine dust pollution are categorized into environmental and social factors. Environmental factors encompass the composition of pollutants (including concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, NO2, O3, CO, and SO2), proximity to roads, and environmental assets such as well-established roadside green spaces, parks, forests, and thriving vegetation. Meanwhile, social factors incorporate considerations of social welfare services and air pollutant emission facilities. These factors contribute to the comprehensive evaluation indices, encompassing exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity concerning fine dust pollution. Secondly, the spatial analysis of fine dust pollution within the case study area reveals that regions exhibiting robust social-ecological system adaptive capacities tend to demonstrate heightened resilience against fine dust pollution. Conversely, areas characterized by elevated exposure and sensitivity to this issue exhibit reduced resilience. Moreover, the investigation into landscape fragmentation highlights a strong correlation between resilience against fine dust pollution and the fragmentation of green spaces. This study deviates from previous research endeavors through its innovative approach of strategically planning green infrastructure in vulnerable zones, aligning with local characteristics. It further introduces distinct resilience evaluation indicators tailored to fine dust pollution and integrates considerations of the spatial distribution of social-ecological systems, thereby contributing to a nuanced understanding of this complex issue.

■ Keywords : Resilient cities, Resilience index, Green infrastructure, Exposure, Sensitivity, Adaptive capacity

■ Publication date : 2024.01

■ Journal : Environmental Impact Assessment Review

■ DOI : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eiar.2023.107317Get rights and content

■ Title :

Coastal landscape preference of residents and tourists according to the physical attributes and viewpoints of offshore wind farms as seen through virtual reality

■ Abstract :

The construction of offshore wind farms typically encounters two challenges: 1) conflicting opinions of relevant stakeholders and 2) localized attributes reflected in the landscape evaluation system. To solve these problems, this study conducts a virtual landscape preference survey for both residents and potential tourists. The 10 virtual offshore wind farms’ landscape profiles were established according to four attributes: the number of turbines, arrangement of turbines, distance, and altitude. As a result, residents and potential tourists were reported to hold opposing perspectives about changing the number of turbines, the arrangement of the turbines, and the distance, though they gave the same response about changing the altitude. However, the exposure time to offshore wind farms and the number of visits to coastal areas did not affect the landscape preference of offshore wind farms. The results indicated the importance of considering both residents and potential tourists. In addition, the definite change of preference for altitude explained the necessity of new attributes that reflect the situation of coastal areas. Last, using virtual reality with 3D simulations could improve the evaluation system of offshore wind farms by reducing the temporal and spatial constraints. Thus, the results of this study could be utilized to develop offshore wind farm evaluation systems, which could reflect the opinions of residents and tourists by considering localized factors.

■ Keywords : Renewable energy, Carbon neutrality, Coastal landscape, Wind power, Coastal resilience, Landscape evaluation system, Climate Change, Sea Area Use Impact Assessment Renewable Energy, Carbon Neutrality

■ Publication date : 2023.12

■ Journal : Regional Studies in Marine Science

■ DOI : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsma.2023.103157 

■ Title :

Assessing of Offshore Windfarm Landscape Preferences using 360-Degree Panoramic Video – Target at Jeju Tamra Offshore Windfarm –

360도 파노라마 동영상을 활용한 해상풍력 경관에 관한 선호도 분석 – 제주 탐라해상풍력단지를 대상으로 –

■ Abstract :

This study aims to classify the types of offshore wind farm landscapes using 360-degree panoramic videos and analyze landscape preferences according to the elements of the landscape preference matrix for each type. To this end, First, this study selected Jeju Tamra Offshore Wind Farm as the study site and visited points overlooking the site to shoot 360-degree panoramic videos. Second, based on the 360-degree panoramic video data, this study analyzed the aesthetic characteristics of the landscape and classified the types of offshore wind farm landscapes. Third, this study surveyed the elements of the landscape preference matrix and landscape preferences for each type of offshore wind farm landscape. Fourth, using the collected data, this study analyzed the relationship between landscape preference and preference matrix elements for each type of offshore wind farm landscape. The analysis classified offshore wind landscape types into High Continuity(HCN), High Color(HCL), Low Visual Impact(LVI), and High Visibility(HVI). Additionally, cohesion was identified as a factor influencing HCN landscape preference, cohesion and mystery as factors influencing HCL landscape preference, cohesion and complexity as factors influencing LVI landscape preference, and cohesion and legibility as factors influencing HVI landscape preference. Based on the results of this study, strategies to improve offshore wind landscape preferences include (1)planting and pathway design to reduce visual impacts, (2)maximizing the biodiversity contrast of offshore wind turbines, and (3)simulating landscapes before offshore wind turbine installation.

■ Keywords : 

Climate Change, Sea Area Use Impact Assessment Renewable Energy, Carbon Neutrality

■ Publication date : 2023.09

■ Journal : Journal of recreation and landscape

■ DOI : http://doi.org/10.51549/JORAL.2023.17.2.001

■ Title :

민간공원 특례사업이 도시공원의 생태계 서비스에 미치는 영향 - 경기도 광주시 중앙근린공원을 중심으로 -

Effect of the Private-Initiated Park Development Project on Ecosystem Services of an Urban Park - Focused on the Central Park in Gwangju, Gyeonggi-Do -

■ Abstract :

As the Private-initiated Park Development Project (PPDP) is being actively implemented, there are concerns about the deterioration of ecosystem services due to the development of long-term unexecuted urban parks. This study aims to analyze the impact of the PPDP on the ecosystem services of urban parks by examining Central Park, which is PPDP No. 1 in Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do. A study was conducted using system thinking to comprehensively understand the changes in the ecosystem services due to the PPDP. As a result of the study, the first reason for implementing the PPDP was the local government’s lack of financing. Second, it was found that the creation of urban parks through the PPDP initially deteriorated cultural services yet improved them over time, while the regulating and supporting services continued to decline. Third, trade-offs appeared between urban parks’ ecosystem services (i.e.., cultural services, regulating services, and supporting services). Through this, it was confirmed that it is necessary to prepare measures for planning and managing urban parks that can reduce the trade-off between the ecosystem services of urban parks. The results of this study suggest that it is necessary to understand the relationship between environmental changes and ecosystem services over time when establishing urban park creation plans and management.

■ Keywords : 

Long Term Unexcuted Urban Park; Park’s Sunset System; Landscape Planning & Management; Trade-Off; System Thinking

■ Publication date : 2023.08

■ Journal : Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture

■ DOI : https://doi.org/10.9715/KILA.2023.51.4.031

■ Title :

The Perceptions and Use of Urban Neighborhood Parks Since the Outbreak of COVID-19: A Case Study in South Korea

■ Abstract :

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the stress of city dwellers is increasing, and some adapt to the pandemic by pursuing physical and psychological well-being in neighborhood parks. To improve the resilience of the social-ecological system against COVID-19, it is important to understand the mechanism of adaptation by examining the perception and use of neighborhood parks. 

The purpose of this study is to investigate users’ perceptions and use of urban neighborhood parks since the outbreak of COVID-19 in South Korea using systems thinking. To verify the hypotheses about the relationship between variables involved in COVID-19 adaptive feedback, two research objectives were set. First, this study determined the causal structure leading to park visits using 

systems thinking. Second, the relationship between stress, motivation, and the frequency of visits to neighborhood parks was empirically verified. To conduct the research, the system of use and perceptions of parks were analyzed through a causal loop diagram to determine the feedback between psychological variables. Then, a survey was conducted to verify the relationship between stress, motivation for visits, and visit frequency, which are the major variables derived from the causal structure. A total of three feedback loops were derived in the first step, including a loop in which COVID-19 stress was relieved by visits to parks and a loop in which COVID-19 stress worsened due to crowding in parks. Finally, the relationship of stress leading to park visits was con- 

firmed, and the empirical analysis showed that anger about contagion and social disconnection were linked as motives for park visits, and that park visits were mainly motivated by the desire to go out. The neighborhood park functions as an adaptive space for the stress of COVID-19 and will maintain its role as social distancing becomes more important to various socio-ecological changes. The strategies driven by the pandemic can be adapted in park planning to recover from stress and improve resilience.

■ Keywords :

COVID-19; stress; urban parks; motivation; causal loop diagram

■ Publication date : 2023.02

■ Journal : International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

■ DOI : https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20054259