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Decision-Making: Coordinating Bodies
The State Council decides major policies related to environment and
development. The
Working Committee for Environmental Preservation reviews policies before
submitting them to the Environment Preservation Committee. Non-governmental
parties participate in the environment related decision-making processes through
the Environment Preservation Committee, the National Council of Environment
Organizations and other advisory committees.
Decision Making: Legislation and Regulations
When the Foreign Trade Act (FTA) was amended on December 8, 1992, the government added a new provision that allows trade restrictions when trade has a negative effect on the environment or natural resources. According to Article 5 of the FTA, "The Minister of Commerce, Industry and Energy may restrict or prohibit exports and imports of goods in accordance with the Presidential Decree, in cases where such restriction is necessary for protecting the life, health, and safety of human beings, protecting the life and health of animals or plants, or protecting and preserving the environment or domestic resources." The Republic of Korea has not mitigated any specific environmental legislation or regulations to attract FDI.
Decision-Making: Strategies, Policies and Plans
The
Republic of Korea recognizes that stabilization of the free trade system under
the guidance of the World Trade Organization (WTO), as well as the alleviation
of the financial pressure of developing
countries, is essential to promoting sustainable development. The Republic of
Korea also recognizes that the consensus of different nations in such areas as
improvement of market access opportunities is crucial for international trade
and environmental cooperation. The Republic of Korea welcomes the efforts of the
WTO to promote a fair, stable, and predictable world trade system and will
actively participate in multilateral discussions and other international efforts
to harmonize and incorporate trade and environmental issues.
The Republic of Korea believes that trade measures for environmental purposes and trade-related environmental policies should not be unnecessary trade barriers and disguised means of protection, but should not be discriminatory or underly restrictive.
Decision-Making: Major Groups Involvement
No information is available.
Programmes and ProjectsTo meet the challenges of reconciling environment and development, the following tasks are under consideration:
Pursuit
of sustainable development through trade liberalization;
Enhancement of mutual support for trade and environment;
Status
In
a country like the Republic of Korea, with a large population and scarce
resources, trade can be a critical policy tool for creating jobs and earning
hard currency. The economy of the Republic of Korea went through unprecedented
hardship and placed itself under the IMF bailout programme in 1998. However,
with the successful implementation of structural reforms, the economy of the
Republic of Korea has been able to overcome the foreign exchange liquidity
crisis at a rapid pace. In 1999, annual GDP rate rebounded from E.7 percent
in 1998 to 10.7 percent, while domestic consumption and investment increased 8.5
and 4.1 percent respectively.
Exports
increased by 8.6 percent, which in turn brought about job-creation and
production increases in the export industries. The usable foreign exchange
reserves have also expanded, thereby greatly improving the national confidence
level.
Challenges
No information is
available.
Stricter environmental standards are being applied to exported products. Due to growing public awareness of environmental issues, domestic environmental standards are gradually being strengthened. Therefore, increases in exports do not result in a corresponding increase in environmental problems.
Information
Various
kinds of information related to the Republic of Korea’s trade, investment, and
economic growth can be accessed through the Internet.
Trade-related site: www.kita.or.kr
(Korea International Trade Association)
Investment-related sites: www.bok.or.kr
(Korea Investment Service Center), (Bank
of Korea)
Economy-related sites: www.mofe.go.kr
(Ministry of Finance and Economy)
The Republic of Korea also submits reports related to trade, investment, and economic growth to the World Trade Organization, covering issues such as liberalization of trade, mitigation of approval procedures related to export or import transactions, abolishment of import diversification, etc.
Research and Technologies
No information is available.
FinancingThe people and the Government of the Republic of Korea recognize that poverty and financial distress of developing countries are major impediments to sustainable development. To support developing countries, The Republic of Korea established the Economic Development Cooperation Fund in 1987 and the Republic of Korea Overseas International Cooperation Agency in 1991. These institutions run various environmental cooperation programs to developing countries.
Cooperation
The
Republic of Korea provided an amount of around 317 million US dollars as
Official Development Assistance (ODA) in 1999. The amount has increased by 70%
compared with previous year when the Republic of Korea suffered the foreign
exchange liquidity crisis. The Republic of Korea contributed 5.6 million US
dollars to the Global Environment Facility (GEF) during the period of 1995-1997
and is going to contribute the same amount in Korean Won during the period of
1998-2002.
The
Republic of Korea has also participated actively in the work of international
organizations such as the WTO to drive sustainable development forward through
trade liberalization. Furthermore, the Republic of Korea joined the OECD in
October 1996.
Based on the Science and Technology Promotion Act, The Republic of Korea has been providing Thailand, Malaysia, India, and Kenya with agricultural technology since 1972.
To discuss the pollution problem of the Yellow Sea, which borders both the Republic of Korea and China, and to discuss movements of transboundary pollution materials in Asia, the Republic of Korea is contributing to North-East Asia environmental cooperation and is actively involved and cooperating with APEC to preserve the environment in the Asia-Pacific region. The Republic of Korea has initiated and will expand international economic cooperation programs to aid sustainable development in the works of various international organizations, such as OECD, UNCSD, UNCTAD.
* * *
This information was provided by the Government of the Republic of Korea to the 5th, 8th and 9th Sessions of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. Last Update: January 2001.
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Decision-Making: Coordinating Bodies
The State Council decides major policies related to environment and development. The Working Committee for Environmental Preservation reviews policies before submitting them to the Environment Preservation Committee. Non-governmental parties participate in the environment related decision-making processes through the Environment Preservation Committee, the National Council of Environment Organizations and other advisory committees.
Decision Making: Legislation and Regulations
When the Foreign Trade Act (FTA) was amended on December 8, 1992, the Korean government added a new provision that allows trade restrictions when trade has a negative effect on the environment or natural resources. According to Article 5 of the FTA, "The Minister of Commerce, Industry and Energy may restrict or prohibit exports and imports of goods in accordance with the Presidential Decree, in cases where such restriction is necessary for protecting the life, health, and safety of human beings, protecting the life and health of animals or plants, or protecting and preserving the environment or domestic resources."
Korea has not mitigated any specific environmental legislation or regulations to attract FDI.
Decision-Making: Strategies, Policies and Plans
The Republic of Korea recognizes that stabilization of the free trade system under the guidance of the World Trade Organization (WTO), as well as the alleviation of the financial pressure of developing countries, is essential to promoting sustainable development. The Republic of Korea also recognizes that the consensus of different nations in such areas as improvement of market access opportunities is crucial for international trade and environmental cooperation. The Republic of Korea welcomes the efforts of the WTO to promote a fair, stable, and predictable world trade system and will actively participate in multilateral discussions and other international efforts to harmonize and incorporate trade and environmental issues.
The Republic of Korea believes that trade measures for environmental purposes and trade-related environmental policies should not be unnecessary trade barriers and disguised means of protection, but should conform to the principles of non-discrimination and the least restrictiveness, among others.
Decision-Making: Major Groups Involvement
No information is available.
Programmes and ProjectsTo meet the challenges of reconciling environment and development, the following tasks are under consideration:
Status
In a country like Korea with a large population and scarce resources, trade can be a critical policy tool for creating jobs and earning hard currency. The Korean economy went through unprecedented hardship and placed itself under the IMF bailout programme in 1998. In that year, annual GDP growth fell sharply, from 5.5 percent to -5.8 percent, while domestic consumption and investment dropped -8.2 percent and –21.2 percent, respectively.
In spite of all these adversities, exports increased by 13.3 percent, which in turn brought about job-creation and production increases in export industries. It also provided momentum for getting the Korean economy back on track by garnering the foreign currency needed for foreign debt reimbursement and additional facilities investment.
When trade and investment increase and the economy improves, the Government actively encourages companies to manage their business in an environmentally friendly manner, and companies voluntarily strengthen environmental management as a whole. However, as seen from the economic crisis of late 1997, consumption patterns shift toward environmentally friendliness and consumption levels drop rapidly, regardless of any impact on the environment as the economy stagnates.
Challenges
No information is available.
Stricter environmental standards are being applied to exported products. Due to growing public awareness of environmental issues, domestic environmental standards are gradually being strengthened. Therefore, export increases do not increase environmental problems.
Information
Various kinds of information related to Korea’s trade, investment, and economic growth can be accessed through the Internet.
Economy-related sites: (National Statistics Office), (Ministry of Finance and Economy)
Korea also submits reports related to trade, investment, and economic growth, to the World Trade Organization, covering issues such as liberalization of the trade business, mitigation of approval procedures related to export or import transactions, abolishment of import diversification, etc.
Research and Technologies
No information is available.
Financing
No information is available.
CooperationKorea has also participated actively in the work of international organizations such as the WTO to drive sustainable development forward through trade liberalization. Furthermore, The Republic of Korea has joined the OECD on October 1996. Thus, it will cooperate to integrate common objectives with developed countries.
* * *
This information was provided by the Government of the Republic of Korea to the 5th and 8th Sessions of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. Last Update: October 1999.
To access the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, click here:
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Decision-Making: Coordinating Bodies
The Ministry of Environment (Waste Policy Division, Environmental Economics, Division, Environmental Technology Division, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy (Industry Environment Division, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Environment and Science Division) all have responsibility for changing consumption and production patterns. Each ministry formulates and implements policies and programs related to changing consumption patterns, such as end-use energy consumption, waste management, consumptive use of water resources, urban and land use planning. At the local and provincial level, local authorities and the Regional Environmental Management Offices of MOE have responsibility.
Decision Making: Legislation and Regulations
Legislation related to changing production and consumption patterns includes the following:
The Republic of Korea has also adopted standards on packaging methods and materials, emission limits of air pollutants and wastewater and guidelines on industrial waste minimization. These are mandatory in accordance with Article 11 of the Air Quality, Water Preservation Act, Article 15 of the Act Relating to Promotion of Resources Saving and Reutilization, Article 25 of the Waste Management Act. In addition, an NGO, Citizens Alliance for Consumer Protection of Korea, through its Sustainable Consumption and Production Committee, established guidelines for the period 1995 to 1996, in relation to "Sustainable Energy," "Sustainable Agriculture," and "Sustainable Water Use," based on guidelines of the European Union. Citizens Alliance for Consumer Protection continues to carry out education programmes and campaigns to practice these guidelines.
Decision-Making: Strategies, Policies and Plans
The National Action Plan for Agenda 21 is directed, inter alia, toward changing consumption and production patterns. Specific issues that are addressed include the following:
Decision-Making: Major Groups Involvement
No information is available.
Programmes and ProjectsAmong the programmes which the Government is implementing in this area in cooperation with industries, consumer associations and others are the following:
There are, in addition, selected measures for changing consumption patterns in the areas of energy, natural resource use, waste reduction and recycling. Examples follow:
Companies voluntarily utilize cleaner production technology and invest in equipment in the light of LCA analysis. An eco-labelling programme is being operated on the basis of Life Cycle Assessment, which is conducted on all procedures of production, consumption and abolitiion of products.
Among the major projects and activities underway are research programs to develop Eco-labelling awarding criteria and Eco-mark products selection criteria; a Cleaner Production Technology Development Support Programme; and an environmental technology research and development project -- the Pre- pollutant prevention technology research project.
Status
From 1987 to 1996, the economy grew at the rate of 7.9 percent and energy consumption, at the rate of 10.4 percent. Energy consumption per person in 1996 (TOE) was 3.63. Dependency on petrol in 1996 was 60.5 percent, and dependency on important energy resources in 1996, at 97.3 percent.
- Distribution and Use of Waterworks
| ‘91 | ‘93 | ‘95 | ‘97 | |
| Supply ratio (%) | 80.1 | 81.1 | 82.9 | 84.5 |
| Supply capacity (10,000 ton/day) | 1,304 | 1,439 | 1,518 | 1,619 |
| Water supplied per capita per day (l) | 376 | 394 | 398 | 409 |
* Data: The Ministry of Environment, Environment White Book, 1998
- Waste recycling target
| Year | 1995 | 1998 | 2001 | 2002 |
| Household (%) | 23.7 | 30.0 | 35.0 | - |
| Industrial (%) | 61.2 | 65.0 | 68.0 | - |
| Food waste (%) | - | 20 | - | 50 |
* Data: The Ministry of Environment, Environment White Book, 1998
- Waste recycling target for each industrial complex
| ‘98 | 2000 | 2002 | |
| Electric, plastic, home conglomerates | at least 10% | at least 30% | at least 50% |
| appliances used to medium and small absorb shocks sized firms |
at least 10% | at least 20% | at least 30% |
| Egg shells | 50% | 60% | |
| Fruit peels | 5% | 15% | 60% |
| Plastic cups for instant noodles | - | 10% | |
| Plastic saucers | 30% | 50% |
*Data: The Ministry of Environment, Environment White Book, 1998
- Plan to expand amount of loads carried by Subway(Seoul city)
| ‘95 | 2000 | 2005 | 2010 | 2020 | |
| Ratio of load carried by Subway (%) | 34 | 45 | 50 | 60 | 70 |
* Data: The Ministry of Construction and Transportation, Transportation Complex Plan, 1997
The consumer movement has developed from the Consumer Protection Movement of the 1970's to the environment protection activities of the 1980's and to the current Movement for Sustainable Consumption, which includes the suppression of over-consumption and the activation of recycled product usage. For example, the 'carrying handbasket' movement is a prevailing movement well-responded to by many groups and individuals. Direct trade with farmers who are farming organic agricultural products is a way of putting sustainable consumption by consumers into practice. District-based information bulletins which intermediate the trade of used items are effective tools to facilitate the recycling and reuse of products. Other activities such as the 'frugal market', which is a type of flea market, are operated by district administration of Seoul city in cooperation with women's association. With the increasing preference for environmentally-friendly products amongst consumers, the business sector is also actively engaging in the sustainable production and consumption movement by adopting energy saving and environmentally-friendly processes.
The unsustainable lifestyle has a tremendous influence on the environment. With rapid economic growth, the consumption and production patterns in The Republic of Korea are becoming like those of developed countries. This means that the Government, industries, families and individuals should change their consumption patterns that are detrimental to the environment. The Republic of Korea is putting high priority on policies which improve efficiency in the use of energy and natural resources and developing effective means to reduce wastes and promote recycling. In the 90's, globalization of the economy and the balanced growth between sectors, which are most likely to affect consumption patterns, are the principal objectives of the Korean Government. Especially after the Earth Summit held in Rio in 1992, the concept of Sustainable Development is relatively well accepted by the public.
Challenges
The priority constraints in this programme area are lack of awareness and insufficient information on sustainable consumption and production.
Capacity-building, Education, Training and Awareness-raising
Raising public awareness - The Government of The Republic of Korea encourages the rise of informed consumers by providing information that can assist consumers in selecting environmentally sound products. The eco-labelling program has become a valuable tool for helping consumers identify the less-polluting products and encouraging industries to develop and produce a wide range of less-polluting products which meet higher standards. The Eco-Mark Association, a private body established on June 27, 1992, is composed of representatives from consumer organizations, environmental organizations, businesses, and distribution sectors, as well as environmental experts and journalists.
In addition, the Government
The press company, Chosun Ilbo activitly promotes sustainable consumption patterns as well as part of a Green Energy Family programme.
Information
An Environmental Information center will be established to collect and disseminate environmental technology information. Information is also provided through environment industries exhibitions and environment technology seminars. Audits are undertaken by the National Assembly Session and by the Audit Division within each Ministry concerned. Information is made available to potential users through the Internet at the address linked below.
The Republic of Korea organized an International Expert Meeting on Sustainable Consumption: Trends and Traditions in East Asia, from 27 to 29 January 1999 in Chejudo, Republic of Korea.
Research and Technologies
Clean and environmentally sound technologies are promoted and applied in production through LCA, impact assessment, collecion and analysis of information, improved methods of production, investest in equipment, and analysis of effectiveness. Other technology-related issues that are being addressed include: Life Cycle Assessment techniques development and applied experience research are being conducted to make the criteria of Eco-labeling; and Research and develop composting technologies to reduce food waste.
Financing
The Cleaner Production programme is financed by the National budget and special funds. The Green Energy Family is financed by the National budget.
Cooperation
The Government of The Republic of Korea hosted the Workshop on Policy Measures for Changing Consumption Patterns in 1995 to contribute to the international work program of the UN United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. Also, The Republic of Korea is participating in the regional and international discussions and forums as an effort to change consumption patterns. It participates in the UNEP Cleaner Production Programme, OECD, and the APEC ISTWG (Industrial Science and Technology).
* * *
This information is based on The Republic of Korea's submission to the 5th and 7th Sessions of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. Last update: December 1998.
For information on Resources Saving and Reutilization, click here
Click here for cleaner production or Click here
Click here for the Green Energy Family
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Decision-Making: Coordinating Bodies
No information is available.
Decision Making: Legislation and RegulationsTo mobilize financial resources and to address domestic environmental problems, the Republic of Korea endeavors to achieve a balanced fiscal operation.
In January 1995, the Government established the Special Account for Environmental Improvement. The Account is used to finance environmental improvement projects, environmental infrastructure construction projects, and environmental technology development projects by the national and local governments. The Special Account acts as a mechanism for the comprehensive management of environmental financial resources. The objective is to establish an efficient and integrated management system of financial resources, which allows for clear linkages between mobilization and expenditure of resources.
In order to make foreign direct investment (FDI) more environmentally friendly, the government has incorporated in the Act on Foreign Direct Investment and Foreign Capital Inducement, Korea's general law regarding FDI, the statement that, "FDI which is environmentally harmful is prohibited". As a result, the introduction of such FDI is, in effect, prevented. Also, foreign companies that invest in Korea are not granted special treatment in terms of environmental standards and are currently subject to the same environmental regulations as domestic companies, thus deterring environmentally harmful activities to FDI.
Decision-Making: Strategies, Policies and Plans
To improve the efficiency of environmental management and finance the cost of environmental protection, the Republic of Korea has introduced economic measures, such as the Emission Charge System, the Environmental Improvement Charges, the Deposit-Refund System, and the Waste Treatment Charge System.
With regard to promoting environment-friendly FDI policies, Korea has limited foreign investments that have caused negative effects on citizens' health and environmental preservation. Environment friendly policies are being implemented, such as requiring submission of documents relevant to environmental reviews when designating foreign investment zones.
Decision-Making: Major Groups Involvement
The government guarantees a minimal living standard (food and clothing, medical care, housing, primary and higher education for children, etc.) for low-income citizens in order to eradicate poverty. It is establishing a social safety net to expand public assistance for the low-income unemployed, the elderly, the handicapped, etc.
Programmes and Projects
Korea is promoting waste treatment policies based on market functions, aiming to minimize wastes beforehand and to recycle wastes through the application of the waste deposit and charge system. The government introduced the water quality improvement charge system in 1995 in order to protect public groundwater resources and to contribute to drinking water quality.
Since Korea introduced the emission charge system, imposing fines on businesses that discharge pollutants in excess of permitted standards of 1983, the government has operated other economic incentive measures that encourage reduction of pollutant discharges, such as the environmental improvement charge system, the waste deposit system, and the waste charge system. The environmental improvement charge system offered a good opportunity to establish the Polluter Pays Principle, which imposes the pollutant treatment costs at the consumption and distribution level, and to extend coverage to the newly incorporated diesel vehicles.
Status
No information is available.
Challenges
No information is available.
Capacity-building, Education, Training and Awareness-raising
No information is available.
InformationInformation related to financing sustainable development is made available to the public through the Internet website of the Ministry of Finance and Economy.
Research and Technologies
In implementing the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures, the Republic of Korea has been organizing and consolidating its subsidies, but the environmental impacts of individual subsidies have not been analyzed yet. However, Korea has an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) system in place, under which environmental impact is assessed to ensure sound and sustainable practices on project-by-project basis.
Financing
No information is available.
Cooperation
No information is available.
* * *
This information was provided by the Government of the Republic of Korea to the 5th, 6th and 8th Sessions of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. Last Update: October 1999.
For information on
participating States in the Global Environment Facility, click here:
For information about
issues and projects in Asia and and the Pacific from the World Bank, click here:
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Transfer of Environmentally Sound Technology
Decision-Making: Coordinating Bodies
No information is available.
Decision Making: Legislation and RegulationsIn order to strengthen precautionary environmental conservation policy more effectively, the ISO 14000 was introduced by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, & Energy (MOTIE) under the legal basis of the Environmentally-Friendly Industrial Structure Promotion Act. However, realizing that private accreditation bodies that are on a non-governmental voluntary basis would better integrate and coordinate the program, the Korea Accreditation Board (KAB) was established in 1996. KAB has been carrying out the Pilot EMS Certification Program where 37 enterprises are involved.
The Patent Act and the Copyright Act are the legislation in place to protect Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) with a view to promoting investments related to the transfer of ESTs.
Decision-Making: Strategies, Policies and Plans
No information is available.
Decision-Making: Major Groups InvolvementStakeholders are brought together with a view to promoting and improving the selection, transfer and application of environmentally sound technologies through a number of mechanisms such as an international conference on clean production with UNEP in 1998 and the establishment of the Evaluation Center of New Environmental Technology. In addition, the Korean Government, in conjunction with CSD, UNEP and UNCTAD, is presently working out a publicly owned environmental technology transfer project as one of the plans indicated in the Progam for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21, which was adopted in the UN Special Session of June 1997.
Programmes and Projects
The promotion of innovation in the area of Environmentally Sound Technologies (ESTs) is being undertaken through the implementation of the Environment Engineering Technology Development Project (1992-2001) and the Basic Environmental Technology Development Project as well as through the establishment of the Long-Term Comprehensive Plan for Environmental Technology Development(1998-2007).
The Highly Advanced National Project (HAN Project), one of the environmental research projects in The Republic of Korea, includes a technology project which covers non-pollution process technology, clean product development, and clean production method development. Its budget in 1995 amounted to $3.14 million which was financed by the Government and private sectors, such as corporations, universities, and research institutes.
In 1995, MOE decided to introduce the Environment-Friendly Business Operation (EFBO) program which seeks to revise current environmental policy foundation to a more environmentally friendly program. The EFBO program is defined as an proactive management practice. Business organizations adopting this method are asked to strictly re-evaluate, manage, and develop new environmentally friendly product designs, production process, and final treatment process. The evaluation of environmental impacts includes whole aspects of operations from product design to raw material acquisition, input, production and post treatment of pollutants. The EFBO program also includes revised environmental preservation standards, clearly defined roles and responsibilities, public education and an awareness training program, prevention and clean up procedures, in house environment inspection plans and urgent action plans. MOE expects industries to implement low pollution level and environmentally friendly pollution abatement production processes. The EFBO program encourages a proactive role from industries as well as cooperation between industries and the Government, and urges NGOs to develop innovative technologies and practices.
Status
The Government is planning to connect foreign information networks such as JOIS, Internet, Europa Net, and STN and overseas information networks such as JICST, NTIS, TIB, BL, and INIST with domestic networks to allow domestic consumers of environmental technologies to have access to environmental technology available in foreign countries. To establish an information network that can collect, process, and distribute information on environmental technologies, the Government will add to the existing information network a new field for information on environmental technologies and establish a computer information network for collecting, processing and disseminating environmental technologies. In addition, in order to facilitate the transfer of environmental technologies, The Republic of Korea will hold various international environmental conferences, send delegates to participate in international events and soften regulations and provide economic incentives to encourage the transfer of environmental technologies by private enterprises.
The Government is working on details for the development of environmental technology in the areas of air, water, ocean, clean technology, ecosystems and global environment. The National Institute of Environmental Research is in charge of these projects. In addition, the operational plan for the Center for Evaluating New Environmental Technology to expedite the distribution of newly developmed environmental technology has been established.
Challenges
No information is
available.
Capacity-building, Education, Training and Awareness-raising
No information is available.
Information
Twenty six organizations in The Republic of Korea are currently registered with UNEP's INFOTERRA, an international information exchange system which promotes international exchange of environmental information worldwide. INFOTERRA is designed to meet the demands of countries for the prompt exchange of information on environmental planning, policies, research, and technology development. Another way to access information is through DIALOG of the United States, the world's largest information bank, and domestic communications networks such as CHOLLIAN of DACOM, KINITI-IR of the Korean Institute of Industrial Technology and Information, HiTEL of the Korean Telecommunication Authority, and KOSIS (Korea Statistical Information System) of the National Statistical Office.
Research and Technologies
No information is available.
Financing
To boost environmental industries, benefits and financial support are used as a major tactic to facilitate the transfer of EST to small and medium enterprises. In various tax benefits, tax deductions are given for investment in anti-pollution facilities and waste recycling, while environmental equipment imports qualify for tariff reductions, and environmental companies qualify for special tax rates in accordance with the Basic Small- and Medium-sized Company Act. At the same time, the Government has extended long-term, low-interest loans to companies through the Industrial Development Fund and the Environmental Pollution Prevention Fund, among others, for the establishment of facilities to treat, prevent, or recycle pollutants.
Cooperation
The Republic of Korea has established regional environmental cooperation agreement. For example, it concluded an agreement with Japan for environmental preservation technology development and management, especially for marine environment around the region. An agreement with China, signed in 1996, focuses on the technological development for studying vehicle emission, reducing acid rain, and converting solid wastes produced in urban areas into fertilizers. With the Russian Federation, an agreement was signed to promote the exchange of information and experiences in environmental preservation.
* * *
To go to the Ministry of Science and Technology, click here:
Biotechnology
Decision-Making: Coordinating Bodies
The Ministry of Science and Technology is the body most directly involved with environmentally sound management of biotechnology, in cooperation with other related ministries. Biotechnological research is to be supported by seven different government ministries, and it is suggested that industries, academia, and research organizations participate in the national policy process. Important national projects and programs, such as "Biotech 2000", have been approved by the National Policy Council for Biotechnological Research.
For the safety of biotechnology and the development of mechanisms for cooperation, a national framework of comprehensive laws and regulations will be made and the National Council for Biosafety Strategy Management of Biotechnology will be organized. It is necessary to establish a system supporting research and product development related to biotechnology on the national, regional, and international levels, and a system for safety assessment and risk management. Hence, the establishment of the Biotechnology Training Center is under consideration to cultivate biotechnology specialists in industrial, academic, and research organizations and to stimulate economic and technological cooperation with developing countries.
Decision Making: Legislation and Regulations
No information is available.
Decision-Making: Strategies, Policies and Plans
No information is available.
Decision-Making: Major Groups Involvement
No information is available.
Programmes and Projects
No information is available.
StatusBiotechnology can be environmentally friendly and an important means to achieve sustainable development. Since The Republic of Korea is not well endowed with natural resources and has a small land area, the technology for the improvement of productivity of agricultural and dairy products using animal and plant resources is necessary to enhance national competitiveness in the agricultural sector and to secure the food supply. By the application of biotechnology, research on medical and health services can be effectively carried out. For this reason, the Government and industrial, academic, and research organizations need to cooperate with one another to develop new biomedicine and remedies for incurable diseases. However, appropriate measures should be taken to safely manage and control biotechnology.
In the Republic of Korea, to promote technological development for the conservation of the environment, to improve public health, and to increase food productivity, the Government will allocate more financial resources to projects in these areas and strive to activate research and development in the private sector. For the protection and conservation of the environment, the Government will formulate programs to develop bio-materials which can reduce the negative effects of chemicals on the ecosystem and on human health and encourage the participation of and investment by private companies.
Challenges
No information is
available.
Capacity-building, Education, Training and Awareness-raising
No information is available.
Information
No information is available.
Research and TechnologiesTo build the scientific and technological base of biotechnology and to accelerate the transfer of biotechnology research results to commercial applications, the Government is trying to strengthen the nation's R&D infrastructure and promote the much needed human resources. For this purpose, the Korean Government initiated an ambitious, 14-year national R&D program called "Biotech 2000" in 1994. To develop biotechnology, the Government plans to spend, from its 1994-1997 R&D budget, a total of 625 million US dollars. Such effort to actively invest in biotechnology R&D is expected to encourage and facilitate private investment in this field.
Cooperation
In the Republic of Korea, international cooperation in biotechnology R&D has been built by universities, institutes and industries with counterparts all over the world. The United States, Japan and Western European countries have been major partners. Recently, developing countries, including China, Malaysia, Thailand and Brazil, as well as Eastern European countries, have joined the list. The planned establishment of a Biotechnology Training Center will especially promote technological cooperation with developing countries.
* * *
This information is based on The Republic of Korea's submission to the 5th &6th Sessions of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development, April 1997 & 1998. Last update: 20 April 1998
To go to the Ministry of Science and
Technology, click here:
Click here to link to the Biosafety
Information Network and Advisory Service (BINAS), a service of the United Nations
Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), which monitors global developments in
regulatory issues in biotechnology.
Click here to go to the Web Site of UNEP's
International Register on Biosafety.
Click here for the International Centre
for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Biosafety WebPages
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Decision-Making: Coordinating Bodies
No information is available.
Decision Making: Legislation and Regulations
No information is available.
Decision-Making: Strategies, Policies and PlansThe Presidential Vision for Environmental Welfare is the national policy or strategy for ecologically sustainable industrial development. From that Strategy/vision the Action Plan for a Green Environmental Country has been developed and is being implemented by the Ministry of the Environment. The objectives of the Action Plan are:
Decision-Making: Major Groups Involvement
No information is available.
Programmes and Projects
No information is available.
StatusThe principal threats to human health or the sustainable use of natural resources associated with industrial activity in the Republic of Korea relate to heavy metals from industries, especially from the metal industry and hazardous air pollutants from industries, especially from the chemical industry.
In an effort to promote the greening of industry the measures mandated by the Act Relating to the Promotion of Environmentally Friendly Industry of 1995 are being implemented. These include financial assistance programs for the promotion of cleaner technology R&D; Programs to promote the recycling of raw materials, including the introduction of the Good Recycled Mark, which is given to excellent recycled products; and programs to promote environmental management, including the introduction of the ISO14000 System and development methodologies for LCA(Life Cycle Assessment).
Challenges
No information is available.
Capacity-building, Education, Training and Awareness-raising
No information is available.
Information
No information is available.
Research and Technologies
No information is available.
Financing
No information is available.
Cooperation
No information is available.
* * *
Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy
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Decision-Making: Coordinating Bodies
The Ministry of Construction and Transportation (MOCT)
is responsible for management and decision-making concerning all national
traffic related matters; its Transport Policy Office is in charge of
comprehensive management and coordination of land, sea and air transport.
The
Surface Transportation Bureaufs roles are:
- To set policies regarding surface transport methods and facilities;
- To provide investment support;
- To draw up urban transport plans;
- To establish transport policies
relating to traffic management, and the traffic effects evaluation system
- To set policies on motor vehicle management and motor vehicle safety
standards.
The
Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (MOMAF) is responsible for sea
transport matters. At MOCT, construction (including urban planning) and
transportation matters have been integrated into one. Issues concerning
transportation and construction are negotiated and differences of opinions
coordinated within the ministry.
The traffic effects
evaluation system is utilized when implementing large-scale road, railway and
housing projects to formulate transportation measures.
Major cities are required to establish mid/long term urban transportation
plans and any urban plans drawn up by these cities which contain transportation
plans are recognized as the required mid/long term transportation plans, thereby
ensuring that urban plans and transportation plans are coordinated and mutually
supplement each other.
The central government
has the enforcement authority for most transport related laws and regulations
and is also responsible for establishing transport policies.
Most transport policies other than these have been relegated to local
governments and those local bodies establish and implement their own traffic and
transportation measures according to their individual needs and within the
scopes stipulated in the higher relevant laws. Lower level government officials
are usually in charge of managing and maintaining laws and regulations, while
receiving orders and guidelines from senior officials when making amendments and
establishing or changing important policies.
Decision Making: Legislation and Regulations
Major laws and
regulations that address transport and traffic systems in the Republic of Korea
include the System Efficiency Act, Passenger Transport Service Act, Automobile
Management Act, Road Act, Aviation Act, and Marine Transport Act.
Many efforts have been
made since the Rio Declaration to reduce motor vehicle emissions.
These include reinforcing traffic triggering fees aimed at stimulating
usage of mass transport, establishment and implementation of traffic demand
management measures along with financial assistance to stimulate the bus
industry, and increasing central governmentfs subsidies to local governments
for subway construction (from 25-30% to about 40-50%).
In the public sector, a
private car restriction system exists where drivers are restricted from using
their cars every 10 days. To encourage participation from the private sector,
participating drivers who drive smaller cars are given various discounts at
parking lots and gas stations.
Decision-Making: Strategies, Policies and Plans
In accordance with the
Traffic System Efficiency Act, enacted in February 1999, a 20-year National
Transportation Network Plan was established so that the functions and features
of intermodal transportation could achieve maximum effects.
Five-year mid-term transport facility investment plans have also been
drawn up at the same time for more efficient implementation of the long-term
plan.
The 20-year plan was drafted by the Ministry of Construction and Transportation and negotiated with other related ministries and local governments and agencies; it was then reviewed by the Transport Policy Committee, chaired by the Prime Minister, before finally being approved and implemented as a national plan.
Expansion
of transport infrastructure (road networks, railways, etc.):
|
|
1997 |
2004 |
2009 |
|
Roads |
|
|
|
|
-
Expressways |
1,889
km |
3,700
km |
4,336
km |
|
-
National roads |
12,459
km |
12,733
km |
113,083
km |
|
Railroads |
|
|
|
|
-
Length |
3,118
km |
3,472
km |
3,700
km |
|
-
Multi-trackage rate |
28.9% |
38.1% |
51.4% |
|
Airports |
|
|
|
|
-
Passengers (persons/year) |
42,800 |
64,000 |
72,040 |
|
-
Cargo (1000 tons/year) |
2,020 |
3,570 |
4,630 |
|
Seaports
|
|
|
|
|
-
Capacity |
295 |