Spatial-temporal analysis of ecosystem service in Jeju island, South Korea from 1973 to 2019 using InVEST habitat quality model

Abstract:

As urbanization growths rapidly, areas that used to be rich in existing ecosystem services continue to be threatened. Efforts are being made to quantitatively evaluate ecosystem services and reflect them in policy decisions. The habitat quality assessment model evaluates the value of the habitat by considering the sensitivity of each type of land and the threat factors around it, and is a model to evaluate supporting service among ecosystem services. In this study, we conducted a comparative study with hotspot areas by utilizing information on the appearance of animals and plants in Jeju Island, as well as evaluating the value of habitats in Jeju Island from 1973 to 2019. Jeju Island has excellent natural resources to be designated as a Biosphere Reserve, a World Natural Heritage site, and a World Geopark, but lacks spatial-temporal analysis of changes in habitat quality. According to spatial-temporal variation, there have been many changes in Jeju Island. In particular, between from 1973 to 2007, about 60% of the habitat quality in the middle region of Jeju Island decreased. In addition, the values of habitat in the southern part of the research site between 2007 and 2013 and the eastern part of the island decreased mainly between 2013 and 2019 were 204.43㎢ and 193.4㎢, respectively. The average value of habitat quality in the hotspot areas was 0.64 based on the information on species of animals and plants in Jeju. The hotspot area was mainly derived from the middle area, and this part is always under development pressure due to its excellent natural resources. Based on the results, it will be able to serve in monitoring and policy-making process of areas where habitat quality has declined.

Acknowledge: This work was conducted with the support of the Korea Environment Industry & Technology Institute (KEITI) through its Urban Ecological Health Promotion Technology Development Project, and funded by the Korea Ministry of Environment (MOE) (2019002770001).