The Republic of Korea’s Fifth National Biodiversity Strategy (2024-2028).

This Fifth National Biodiversity Strategy (NBSAP) of the Republic of Korea for the planned period from the year 2024 until the year 2028 is the highest-level, cross-ministerial strategy in biodiversity that sets out a five-year policy direction to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in the country. This text sets the 2050 Vision: To build a sustainable society where people live in harmony with nature and share its benefits equitably; related goals for the year 2050 are: To maintain natural ecosystem area, species diversity and genetic diversity; To evaluate, maintain and strengthen public access to nature’s benefits; To contribute to biodiversity conservation through the use of genetic resources and benefit-sharing; Mobilize all means to ensure the full implementation of the strategy.
As objectives for the year 2030, this text has been based on three thematic concepts that have a total of 21 deriving targets, as follows: 1) Reducing threats to biodiversity (among its related specific targets such as strengthen biodiversity management through spatial planning; Increase the value of natural capital through ecosystem restoration; Expand protected areas and improve benefits to local communities; Strengthen the management of nationally protected species and genetic diversity; Enhance safety throughout the wildlife quarantine and control processes; Strengthen the prevention and control of invasive alien species; Reduce pollution harmful to biodiversity; Respond to climate change with nature-based solutions); 2) Increasing sustainable use and benefit-sharing (Promote sustainability in agriculture, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture; Maintain and enhance ecosystem services; Enhance urban biodiversity; Expand the sharing of benefits derived from genetic resources); 3) Strengthening implementation and mainstreaming tools (with specific targets: Embed the values of biodiversity in all aspects of society; Promote biodiversity and ESG management; Promote sustainable consumption; Ensure the safe management of living modified organisms (LMOs) and emerging biotechnology; Phase out harmful subsidies and expand eco-friendly incentives; Mobilize financial resources for biodiversity; Expand international contributions; Raise biodiversity awareness, promote research and strengthen implementation management; Ensure the participation of various stakeholders. Each of these 21 targets is further completed with relative indicators, more specific measures, goals and cross-cutting or issues. Six identified implementation measures are: 1. A whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach; 2. Balanced implementation of the CBD and its Protocols; 3. Implementation of the principles of the Rio Earth Charter and consideration of the alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); 4. Contribution to the assessment and achievement of the global goals; 5. Increasing biodiversity financing; 6. Intergenerational and gender equality (see page 92 and 93 for detailed sub-implementing requirements and directions). This text states that the principle of intergenerational equality will be observed by ensuring the meaningful participation of young people in biodiversity decision-making at all levels. Also efforts will be made to strengthen women's rights and achieve gender equality when formulating and implementing the NBSAP.