Research


Research

프로필 이미지
2026-01-07


■ Title : 

Evaluation Criteria Importance Analysis for the Selection of Riparian Buffer Zones in Dam Flood Control Areas

■ Abstract :

Unauthorized use of dam flood control zones has deteriorated water quality and ecosystems. Riparian buffer zones address these issues by reducing pollution, mitigating floods, and preserving biodiversity. This study develops site selection criteria using AHP analysis of physical, social, legal, and environmental factors. Results revealed environmental factors (40%) as most important, followed by physical (29%), legal (18%), and social factors (12%). Water quality, biodiversity, and naturalness were highly prioritized, while accessibility and tourism ranked lower. This suggests prioritizing ecological functions over human considerations. Future research should standardize assessment methods, broaden stakeholder participation, and further integrate ecological and hydrological factors.  

■ Keywords : Riparian Buffer Zone, Site Selection, Analytic Hierarchy Process, Flood Control, Comprehensive evaluation indicator

■ Publication date : 2025.07

■ Journal : Journal of The korea society of environmental restoration technology 

■ DOI : https://doi.org/10.13087/koesrt.2025.28.34.13


프로필 이미지
2026-01-07


■ Title : 

International Trends and Applications for Advancing System Dynamics in Environmental Ecology

■ Abstract :

This study aims to identify improvements to system dynamics methodologies in the field of environmental ecology by analyzing international research papers. Utilizing the VOS Viewer, we categorized the improvements into three areas: first, we proposed ways to improve the reliability of the model through numerical validation; second, we proposed ways to improve the reliability of variable relationships and variable selection; and third, we proposed to improve the validity of the model structure by incorporating stakeholder input through participatory and qualitative research methods. This study demonstrates that the accuracy of environmental policy simulation and planning can be improved by integrating complementary approaches.

■ Keywords : System Dynamics, Causal Loop diagram, Simulation Modeling, Social-Ecological System, Environmental Ecology 

■ Publication date : 2025.06

■ Journal : Journal of Korean System Dynamics Society 

■ DOI: https://doi.org/10.32588/ksds.26.2.1


프로필 이미지
2026-01-07


■ Title : 

Assessment of light environmental impacts from offshore wind farms in South Korea

■ Abstract :

Offshore wind farms are expanding rapidly as a clean energy solution but raise concerns about light-related environmental impacts, such as shadow flicker and light pollution, affecting ecosystems and human commu nities. This study assesses the light environmental impacts of offshore wind farms in South Korea, specifically evaluating daytime shadow flicker and nighttime light pollution, and proposes mitigation strategies tailored to diverse landscape contexts. Using advanced geospatial tools, including QGIS and WindPRO, light-related dis turbances were analyzed across three representative sites: Aphae (rural), Jangbogo (island), and Dadaepo (urban). Shadow flicker exposure was quantified based on turbine specifications, solar dynamics, and observer locations, while light pollution from aviation obstruction lights was assessed through spatial luminance analysis. The Aphae site exhibited the highest shadow flicker exposure, with up to 154 days annually and 79 h per year in some regions, while Dadaepo’s urban zone displayed moderate impacts, particularly in tourist areas like Molundae Observatory. Jangbogo experienced negligible effects due to natural buffering and greater separation distances. Light pollution intensity correlated with proximity and turbine visibility, with 8–13 turbines visible in highly impacted zones. Tailored mitigation strategies, such as optimized turbine placement, green buffers, zoning regulations, and habitat preservation, are essential to minimizing adverse impacts. This research underscores the need for location-sensitive planning to achieve sustainable offshore wind energy development while safe guarding ecological and human well-being.

■ Keywords : Coastal landscape, Light pollution, Renewable energy, Sea Area Utilization Impact Assessment, Shadow flickering 

■ Publication date : 2025.12

■ Journal : Journal of Marine Pollution Bulletin

■ DOI : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117718 


프로필 이미지
2026-01-07


■ Title : 

Spatiotemporal analysis of mangrove vegetation changes in C` a Mau, Vietnam

■ Abstract :

Mangrove ecosystems provide essential coastal ecosystem services, including shoreline protection, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity conservation, but are increasingly affected by climate change, aquaculture expansion, and coastal development. These pressures have intensified marine pollution, which alters water chemistry, reduces oxygen levels, and disrupts root–sediment interactions that are crucial for mangrove survival and regeneration. This study examined spatiotemporal changes in mangrove vegetation in C` a Mau, Vietnam (2020–2024) using the Mangrove Vegetation Index (MVI) derived from Sentinel-2 imagery, combined with spatial autocorrelation metrics (Moran’s I and LISA). The total mangrove area increased by 144.83 ha compared to the 2020 baseline (39,414 ha), showing distinct spatial heterogeneity. Expansion clusters (NE) of 217.3 ha were concentrated along the western and southwestern coasts (Moran’s I = 0.674), driven by government-led restoration programs with sustained financial investment and strict policy enforcement, and effective institu tional coordination of the successfully established coastal vegetation areas. Conversely, loss clusters (EN) of 240.6 ha were observed in the southeastern coastal areas (Moran’s I = 0.655), caused by unregulated shrimp aquaculture expansion, insufficient institutional enforcement, and chronic erosion-related pollution that dis rupted sediment stability and prevented natural regeneration. These contrasting patterns reflect how restoration efforts, governance gaps, and pollution-driven stress jointly influence mangrove dynamics. By integrating remote sensing and social-ecological analysis, this study identifies area-specific management strategies—policy-aligned restoration investment in the west and incentive-based monitoring systems in the southeast—are identified, providing a practical framework for sustainable coastal governance.

■ Keywords : Social–ecological dynamics, Spatiotemporal analysis, Mangrove vegetation index, Blue carbon, Local indicators of spatial association, Landscape change detection 

■ Publication date : 2025.12

■ Journal : Journal of Marine Pollution Bulletin

■ DOI : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.119108


프로필 이미지
2024-08-26

■ 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

프로필 이미지
2024-08-26

■ 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

프로필 이미지
2024-08-26

■ 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

프로필 이미지
2024-04-02

■ 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

프로필 이미지
2023-11-10

■ 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


프로필 이미지
2023-11-10

■ 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