Ecosystem services refer to various benefits that humans get from the ecosystem, and voluntary participation at the private level is essential to preserve and promote them well. (image: Public Domain)
SEOUL, May 27 (Korea Bizwire) — An “ecosystem service payment system contract” will be introduced to compensate landowners for activities to preserve and promote ecological services by signing contracts with various levels of government.
The Ministry of Environment said a related revision to the enforcement ordinance of the law was approved at a National Assembly Tuesday. The new enforcement ordinance will go into effect on June 11.
Ecosystem services refer to various benefits that humans get from the ecosystem, and voluntary participation at the private level is essential to preserve and promote them well.
In order to expand private participation, the government has prepared activities that are recognized as subject to contracts for ecosystem service payment through the revision of the enforcement ordinance.
Activities such as changing cultivation methods to eco-friendly alternatives or creating and managing wildlife habitats are among those being targeted by the new legislation.
In addition to the areas stipulated in the law, the areas subject to the payment contract include the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)-selected biosphere reserves, water source protection zones and waterfront zones.
The payment contract is a replacement for the “Biodiversity Management Agreement”.
By expanding the target area and diversifying the types of activities compared to the existing system, it will be possible for the government to offer compensation for more diverse conservation and promotion activities.
D. M. Park (dmpark@koreabizwire.com)
