- Rapid economic development and urbanization since the 1970s has severely altered land use patterns. In order to effectively deal with these changes, a comprehensive and integrated land development plan is necessary. The Third Comprehensive National Development plan is being implemented along with the New Five Year Economic Development Plan. The Comprehensive National Development Plan focuses on harmonizing the dual needs of land development and preservation to facilitate sustainable development. To implement long term plans, such as the Comprehensive National Development Plan, various medium-term land use plans, such as the National Land Use Plan, the Capital Area Plan, and the Urban Area Plan were adopted. The National Land Use Plan was formulated in 1976 to balance national land development with environmental concerns. The proper location of population and industry in the capital area is managed according to the Capital Area Plan. Some cities are designated as urban development areas to promote healthy urbanization. Other policies concerning land management issues, such as the Land Transaction Regulation System, the Idle Land Regulation system, and the upper limit of the Land Owning Regulation system are under implementation. To promote harmonization of land development with environment preservation the government of Korea will focus on the conservation of land, rational use and effective management of land for environment preservation and an establishment of a comprehensive land information system.

- Forests make up 65% of total land mass and are the most important natural resource in Korea. Since the early twentieth century, more than half of the forest resources were devastated through the Japanese colonization, Korean war, and other social turbulence. The denuded forest lands have been rehabilitated from successful forest greening movements and erosion control projects actively implemented since 1960s. As of 1995, forest area is about 6.5 million ha. The total growing stock reaches up to 296 million m and the average stock per ha is about 48 m, which is five times greater than in 1960.

- While reforestation has been successfully accomplished, harvestable forest resources are extremely limited because about 90% of forests are under 30 years old with little economic value. The value of public benefits of forests including watershed function and recreation was estimated to account for 10% of GNP as of 1995. The domestic timber supply was 0.73 million m which accounted for just 11% of the total demand in 1995. About 0.08% of forest land is harvested through small scale clear cutting or selective cutting of less than 5 ha a year, and it is replanted immediately thereafter.

- The third Forest Resources Enhancement Plan(1988-1997) is currently in progress. The major goal of forestry policy pursued by the Korean Forestry Administration is to enhance forest productivity and put emphasis on forestry operations such as silvicultural practices and thinning. Also, infrastructure for forest management has been expanded through construction of forest roads, training of professional technicians, and procurement of mechanical equipments. To prevent forest degradation, which is mainly caused by forest fire, insects, and diseases, damage control measures have been strengthened in Korea.

- To implement ecologically sound forest management, the Forest law was substantially revised to elaborate directions toward sustainable forest management in Korea. As an active member of the Montreal Process, Korea contributed to the development of criteria and indicators for the conservation and sustainable management of temperate and boreal forests around the world.

- Seventy one percent of forest land is privately owned by over two million people. The active management of small scale private forests is, therefore, critical in achieving sustainable forest management. To promote safe forest management, projects for cooperative management of private forests and multiple purpose management related with short-term income sources, including mushrooms, mountain vegetables, beekeeping, and wild flowers for improving living environments in rural communities are under progress across the country.

- The various activities promoting the general public's awareness of forest cultures are under progress to ignite the traditional thoughts on nature of recognizing the harmony and balance among heaven, earth, and human beings and to refurbish nature-oriented environmental ethics.

International Convention to Combat Desertification in Countries Experiencing Drought and/or Desertification

Particularly in Africa

Each party shall file reports on implementation with the Conference of Parties, as often and in the form to be determined. Parties are to report on development of national action programmes. The Conference shall assist affected developing countries to make reports.

Convention: signed in 1994; ratified in 19__.

The latest report to the Secretariat of the Convention was prepared in 19--.

Additional comments relevant to this chapter

- Desertification is one of the most serious regional problems, especially in Africa and Asia. Desertification not only diminishes the environmental quality of affected countries, but also indirectly affects neighbouring countries. Furthermore, land degradation resulting from erosion caused by ecosystem disturbances such as climate fluctuations, deforestation, and agricultural/livestock exploitation raise serious environmental problems. By limiting land use and reducing soil productivity, desertification creates a significant financial burden on soil protection and rehabilitation projects. Specifically, in the past several decades of socioeconomic turbulence in Korea (i.e. the Korean War), deforestation has resulted in landslides, droughts, and floods. Thus, the government of Korea has been actively engaged in rehabilitation and reforestation efforts since the 1960s. Efforts have been focused on degraded mountain regions. Past efforts have been successful in reversing and preventing further soil degradation.

- Korea will continue to contribute to global efforts by rehabilitating degraded land and ecosystem conservation and providing international cooperation for combating desertification. To establish and implement systematic measures necessary for land rehabilitation, a national survey on small dispersed areas of denuded and degradable sites will be carried out and the resulting data will be utilized. Moreover, the government will positively consider the ratification of the UN Convention on Combating Desertification and actively participate in international conventions to combat desertification. Korea has accumulated valuable experiences and technology from past reforestation and erosion control projects in denuded lands. Therefore, Korea's vast experience and modern technology could be used to help solve desertification problems in seriously affected countries. The government will also strengthen Northeast Asian regional cooperation through bilateral cooperation and multilateral joint projects.

- Korea is a typical mountainous country where forests account for 65%of total land mass. Forest ecosystem is vulnerable to degradation due to soil conditions and heavy rains that occur during summer. Since the early 20th century, forests have been devastated through excessive and illegal cuttings. Recently, the public demand for various benefits provided by forests, including watershed management and recreational sites has increased, hence, pressuring the government to implement sustainable mountain development.

- In Korea, ecosystem management for sustainable mountain development has focused on three major areas; 1) an establishment of geographic information systems on forest environments and of ecological management techniques as a basis for forest ecosystem management, 2) the prevention and control of forest fire, insects and disease, and environmental stress which degrads the integrity of forest ecosystems, and 3) the promotion of various environmental functions inherent in forests.

- Along with the 10-year periodic forest inventory, site survey across the country is under progress since 1995. Geographic map is being computerized into digital data bases. Research on classification of forests based on ecological characteristics and development of suitable management planning and practices are ongoing.

To keep the forest ecosystem from forest fires, insects and disease, and other environmental stress including acid rain which recently emerged as damaging factor, and to maintain the productivity and health of the forest ecosystem, various projects and programmes have been initiated to enlarge the manpower for fire detection and prevention, modernize fire equipment, operate the monitoring and early warning system for outbreaks of forest insects and diseases, improve the biological control measures including application of natural enemies, establish acid rain monitoring systems, and to ameliorate forest soil quality.

- To improve watershed capacities, forest management in the areas surrounding major rivers is intensified and erosion control dams are continuously constructed. Valley erosion controls are to be also tightened. The forest areas for recreation activities are increasing to meet the rapidly growing demand for recreational sites and to improve public health by adding forest bathing sites.

- Currently the integrated rural development projects initiated by the Korean Forestry Administration since 1995 are under progress with major objectives of improving living conditions, promoting eco-tourism, and raising the income level by developing new income sources, including forest byproducts in forest communities. These projects are expected to achieve balanced and harmonized national land use and promote sustainable development in secluded mountainous areas in Korea.

- As the main industry in rural society, agriculture provides people with a basic livelihood. Agriculture also maintains and strengthens the regional economy, protects the environment, and preserves cultural traditions.

- In the midst of rapid economic development and urbanization, farming activities have rapidly declined. Urban-rural disparities are widening and food self-sufficiency has dropped. Furthermore, efforts and research are urgently needed to cope with the effects of the Uruguay Round on Korean agriculture.

- The Presidential Commission on Rural Reconstruction(PCRR), which is represented by the heads of farmers' organizations and scholars, was formed in February 1994. From the recommendations of the PCRR, the Rural Development Measures and Agricultural Policy Reform Plan was disclosed on June 14, 1994. This plan was designed to enhance the competitiveness of Korean agriculture in international markets by promoting efficient use of production resources, developing environmentally friendly farming practices, integrating sustainable development measures in all areas of agriculture, and raising the agricultural sectors' self-help capacity.

- The government is supporting the following program areas:

(a) Efficient use of production resources;

(b) Development of agricultural technology and the sustainable use of resources;

(c) Elaboration of production means to promote sustainable development;

(d) Promotion of environmentally friendly agricultural policy and encouragement of

public participation.

STATUS REPORT:

Convention on Biological Diversity

Parties are to develop national strategies, plans and programmes for sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity and integrate them into general development plans.

Parties shall identify, monitor and maintain data on components of biodiversity.

Parties shall introduce appropriate procedures requiring EIAs for projects likely to have significant adverse effects on biological diversity.

Parties shall submit reports on measures which it has taken for the implementation of the Convention, at intervals to be determined.

Convention signed in 1992; ratified in 1994

Latest report submitted in 19--.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

Parties to take appropriate measures to enforce regulatory provisions and prohibit trade in specimens in violation thereof. Convention also governs treatment of animals in shipment.

Each party to prepare periodic reports on its implementation of the convention and to prepare: (a) an annual report listing export permits issued and species involved, and (b) a biennial report on legislative, regulatory and administrative measures taken.

Convention signed in 1993.

Latest report submitted in 1995.

Additional comments relevant to this chapter:

- Biodiversity conservation policies in Korea are being undertaken under the Natural Environment Conservation Act and several other related laws such as the Natural Park Act and the Cultural Properties Protection Act, etc.

- Various kinds of protected areas such as natural ecosystem protection areas, national parks, bird and mammal protection areas, and natural forest protection areas function as in-situ biodiversity conservation areas. They cover around 7 per cent of the total land area.

- In addition, Korea has adopted several species protection measures such as creating "Natural Monument", "Special Wild Fauna and Flora", and "Protected Wild Birds and Mammals" classifications to protect endangered or declining wild species.

- Despite these activities, biodiversity in Korea has diminished continuously as a result of rapid economic development. Over 180 species, including tigers and leopards, have disappeared or are endangered.

- While reinforcing existing policies, Korea will take additional measures to conserve biodiversity. The National Strategy for Biodiversity Conservation will be concluded by the end of 1996. New ecosystem protection approaches are to be applied, in which harmonization between the land owner's right and the efficient management of protected areas will be pursued with great emphasis. The second national survey on the natural environment will be undertaken from 1997 to 2001. The identification of valuable and vulnerable ecosystems and species is one of the main objectives of the national survey.

- As a member of the global community, Korea is strongly involved in the international efforts to conserve biodiversity. Korea has acceded to the Convention on Biological Diversity and CITES and is preparing to join the Ramsar Convention. Korea has also taken active roles in the Man and Biosphere(MAB) Program of UNESCO and in other international and regional environmental cooperation programs.

- Biotechnology can be environmentally friendly and an important means to achieve sustainable development. Since 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 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.

- 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.

The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea

Signed in 1993; Ratified in 1996

- Since the 1980s, there has been a decline in the deep-sea fishing industry and a rise in production of marine aquaculture. As the public demand for high quality protein sources increases, this trend is expected to continue. However, the disruption of the coastal fishing industry by land reclamation projects, industrial water effluents, waste disposal, and oil spills has had significant effects on the sustainable development of coastal fisheries. The ecosystem surrounding Korea is very vulnerable to the coastal activities of adjacent nations, such as Russia, China, North Korea, and Japan. Under such circumstances, regional and international cooperation is required to effectively protect and preserve the marine ecosystem and resources in the sea.

- In the last 30 years, the development of industrial complexes and many new cities in the Korean coastal area has made the disposal of industrial water effluents and sewage from urban areas an urgent issue. For the conservation and sustainable use of living marine resources, Korean waters have become the focus for the prevention of marine pollution from land-based activities and sea-based activities.

- The Korean government is strengthening regional and international cooperation for the protection of the marine environment and living marine resources. The North-East Pacific region has abundant biological and mineral resources. It accounts for the production of over 1/3 of the global annual fish-catch, and its seaways are used for over 1/3 of global transportation activities. The region is one of the most rapidly developing areas in the world. The Korean government places a high priority on regional and international cooperation and actively participates in cooperative international marine activities.

See attached tables on following pages.

- Freshwater is essential to the survival of living species and plants. Although the supply of water seems indefinite, freshwater is limited. Of the total supply of annual water resources in Korea, which is estimated to be 126.7 billion tons, about 54.8 billion tons are lost and about 42 billion tons are discharged or lost during floods. Because Korea has limited water resources, it is imperative that Korea secure the required amount of water resources to sustain its future economic development. Taking into account the deteriorating quality of water resources from rapid industrialization and urbanization, Korea is formulating and implementing appropriate policies to secure high quality water resources. Comprehensive water resource development and establishment of an efficient management system is one measure to improve water quality.

- To effectively manage water resources and secure the necessary water supply, the government has constructed many multi-purpose dams. About 34.8% of the 29.9 billion tons of annual water consumed is supplied from these dams. 21% of total water consumed is used for domestic purposes, 50% for agricultural purposes, 8% for industrial purposes, and 21% for nature preservation. Of the total population of 45.5 million people, about 37.35 million, or 82% of the total population are beneficiaries of the public water supply system. As of 1994, daily per capita water consumption has been about 408 liters.

- Since Korea is heavily dependent on its surface water resources, the government will place a high priority on the recovery and improvement of water quality of Korea's surface water resources. To improve the quality of surface water resources, the government is strengthening standards for the permitted level of emission of industrial water effluents and the discharge of effluents by public waste disposal facilities. The government has induced reduction of pollutant emissions by public waste disposal facilities and is introducing the effluent charge system which assess a discharge fee according to the quantity of actual discharge. Furthermore, inspection, development, and management of underground water resources is under way as well as the development of water conservation measures.

- For a comprehensive water resource development and establishment of an efficient management system, the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Construction and Transportation, setting the year 2011 as the target year, will establish a long-term water resource development plan and take a systematic approach to water resource development.

1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Construction and Transportation are responsible for nationwide policies on protection of the quality and supply of fresh water. Local authorities are responsible for creating environmental preservation policies in the area under jurisdiction and other activities delegated to them by MOE.

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues:

- Coordinate and encourage the exchange of information between water level monitoring stations and water quality assessment systems.

- Establish a comprehensive water information database to be available for use by all agencies dealing with water resources, such as underground water, surface water, temperature, water quality, and special traits of river basins.

3. Major Groups: Especially in this field, NGOs play an important role as an intermediary between the government and the people. NGOs promote understanding and voluntary participation of the people to preserve water quality, while conveying demands and concerns of the public to the government.

4. Finance: No information

5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information

- Many of the social and economic goals of today were met by the use of chemicals. For developing countries, lack of sufficient scientific information for the assessment of risks entailed by the use of chemicals and lack of resources for assessment of chemicals for which data are at hand pose serious problems. Chemical contamination with poisonous effect to human health, genetic structures, reproductive process, and the environment, has been continuing within some of the world's most important industrial areas. In this context, safe management of toxic chemicals is needed to ensure the improved quality of life for all humans.

- Korea recognizes the importance of safe management of toxic chemicals and is strengthening the integrated management system and chemical risk assessment procedures.

- In Korea, chemical substances are categorized into 'highly toxic substances', 'special chemical substances', 'dangerous substances', and 'highly toxic agricultural chemicals' according to the Toxic Chemical Substance Control Act, the Industrial Safety and Health Act, the Fire Service Act, and the Agricultural Chemical Control Act. They are based on the harmful effects on human health and environment, the safety of workers dealing with the substances, the physical and chemical properties of the substances, and the residual duration of the substances.

- Korea has adopted the following six program areas in order to achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals: expansion and acceleration of chemical risks assessment; harmonization of classification and labelling of chemicals; information exchange on toxic chemical substances and related hazards; establishment of a risk reduction plan; strengthening domestic capacity and facilities for safe management of chemicals; and prevention of illegal traffic of toxic and dangerous products

- The Korean Customs Administration's role in controlling the illegal trade of toxic and dangerous products will be strengthened with a new intelligence cooperation system which clearly defines responsibilities and procedures. All governmental agencies with institutions such as the Customs Administration and the National Environmental Research Institute, will open new channels of communication and cooperation with international bodies, such as the UNEP and the International Registry of Potential Toxic Chemicals(IRPTC).

The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal

Parties shall cooperate to disseminate information on transboundary movement of hazardous wastes. Parties shall cooperate to promote environmentally sound low-waste technologies, to transfer technology and cooperate in developing codes of practice. Parties to assist developing countries.

Parties shall immediately inform affected parties as to accidents. Prior to the end of each calendar year, parties shall provide the following information on the preceding calendar year: (a) the authorities handling Convention matters; (b) information regarding the transboundary movement of hazardous wastes; (c) measures adopted to implement convention; (d) available statistics on human health and environmental effects of generation, transport and disposal of hazardous wastes; (e) information on agreements entered into; (f) information on accidents; (g) information on disposal options; and (h) information on development of waste-reduction technologies;

Basel Convention: signed in 1994; ratified in 1994

The latest information was provided to the Basel Convention Secretariat in 1995.

Additional comments relevant to this chapter

- Efficient and safe management of hazardous waste generation, storage, transport, collection, disposal, and reclamation are vital for human health, protection of the environment, resource management, and sustainable development. In order to harmonize both development and preservation of the environment, positive support and involvement of countries, industries, and international society are crucial. For this purpose, it is necessary to develop human resources, facilities, technology and funding.

- In February 1994, Korea became a party to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal in order to prevent illegal transboundary movements of hazardous waste and to promote international cooperation. To implement the Basel Convention, the Korean government enacted the Law on the Control of Transboundary Movement of Harzardous Wastes and their Disposal on December 8, 1992 and enforced the Law on May 28, 1994. Under the Law, 118 specified wastes are being controlled on their movement with clear customs procedures

- The general goal in the management of hazardous wastes is to find safe methods of handling and managing hazardous waste to protect public health and the environment and to prevent and minimize adverse effects of hazardous waste. The development of clean manufacturing technology, expansion of the Polluter Pays Principle, proper management of hazardous waste treatment facilities, strict control of the discharge of hazardous wastes, and the affiliation with the Basel Convention are the keys to effectively controlling the generation, storage, treatment, recycling, and reuse, transport, recovery, and disposal of hazardous wastes. The objective is to minimize and manage the generation of waste so that it will not cause harm to human health and the environment.

- Becoming an OECD member country in 1996, Korea is to revise the existing control system on the basis of Basel Convention in order to implement the OECD control system.

- Municipal and industrial wastes of 148,000 ton were generated each day in 1995. Until 1992, the amount of municipal wastes generated was greater than that of industrial wastes.

- The recent trend indicates that the amount of municipal wastes continues to decline, owing to the implementation of the Volume-Based Collection Fee System for waste minimization and the reduced use of coal briquettes. However, industrial waste generation is on the rise due to the expansion of manufacturing and service industries.

- On December 1993, the government established the Comprehensive Waste Management Plan, a long term plan(1993-2001), pursuant to the Waste Management Act. This plan includes the national waste management goals, waste minimization targets and instruments, the promotion of recycling, and the construction of incinerators, etc.

- Source reduction, reuse and recycling of wastes, and waste minimization technologies are important components of any waste management strategy. Recycling, resource recovery, and waste minimization technologies not only slow the consumption of natural resources and limit pollution loadings, but also significantly reduce the costs to the society of proper waste management.

- The release of radioactive materials into the atmosphere is harmful to human lives. Consequently, greater demand for nuclear energy due to the rise in living standards is resulting in a greater quantity of spent fuel to manage. In order to ensure safe management of radioactive wastes and spent fuels which are temporarily stored at nuclear power plants, a permanent repository for low and intermediate level radioactive wastes (LILW) and an interim storage facility for spent fuels are required. To achieve efficient use of a currently planned low and intermediate level radioactive wastes (LILW) repository, advanced volume reduction and solidification technologies are being developed.

- Two program areas for safe and environmentally sound management of radioactive wastes are management of low and intermediate level waste, and management of spent fuel. For the former, radiological impact due to the disposal of LILW will be managed by taking due account of the ICRP's recommendation of an annual personal exposure limit of 0.01 mSv and an annual dose commitment of 1 man Sv. Domestic standards and practices will follow IAEA and other international organizations guidelines for the disposal of LILW to ensure safe radioactive waste management. To safely transport radioactive materials, safe transportation technology will be developed and implemented. It is the goal of the government to safely manage accumulated radioactive wastes. For the latter, due to the high radioactivity of spent fuel, an interim storage facility of an appropriate size will be designed and constructed to prevent radiological accidents and securely manage spent fuels. Korea will participate and collaborate with international organizations and countries to share and exchange information.

- To mobilize financial resources and to address domestic environmental problems, Korea endeavors to achieve a balanced fiscal operation. In January 1995, the government established the Special Account for Environmental Improvement. The Account will be used to finance environmental improvement projects, environmental infrastructure construction projects, and environmental technology development projects by the national and local governments.

CHANGES IN NATIONAL BUDGET TO ADDRESS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT:

- The existing Special Account for Environmental Improvement 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 linkage between mobilization and expenditure of resources.

NEW ECONOMIC INSTRUMENTS:

- To improve the efficiency of environmental management and finance the cost of environmental protection, 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.

ELIMINATION OF ENVIRONMENTALLY UNFRIENDLY SUBSIDIES:

- Korea is in the process of identifying environmentally-unfriendly subsidies based on empirical evidence of the effects of various subsidies sensitive to Korea's specific natural and socio-economic conditions and the specificity of the sectors and means involved.

donor country

- Twenty six organizations in 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.

- Regional environmental cooperation agreements have been established with Korea. For example, an agreement signed with Japan joined two countries for environmental preservation technology development and management, especially for marine environment around the region. The 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 Russia, an agreement was signed to promote the exchange of information and experiences in environmental preservation.

MEANS OF IMPLEMENTATION:

- 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, 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.

- Scientific technology development should meet the needs of the times, such as solving global problems in harmony with promoting the socioeconomic system, as well as pursuing the goal of improving scientific technology itself. In order to achieve the framework of national development and to make a contribution to the improvement of the quality of life, while satisfying socioeconomic needs and contributing to the common prosperity of the planet earth and human beings, a long term development program in the field of scientific technology will soon be established and carried out.

- This long-term development plan emphasizes the need for promoting basic scientific research, improving the technological infrastructure, training scientific technicians and developing technology for the public well-being. These needs will be met by optimizing existing projects such as the current Five-Year New Economy Plan (1993-1997) and the Ten-Year Environmental Science and Technology Development Plan (1992-2001).

- The promotion of environmental technology, in close cooperation with industries, academic institutes, and research institutes, is necessary to improve domestic environmental conditions and contribute to the international effort to solve global environmental problems. In order to increase the contribution of science and technology for sustainable development, scientific basis and developmental capacities will be strengthened, general scientific awareness will be enhanced, and the assessment of environmental impact will be improved.

STEPS TAKEN TO ENHANCE SCIENTIFIC UNDERSTANDING, IMPROVE LONG TERM SCIENTIFIC ASSESSMENT, BUILDING OF CAPACITY AND CAPABILITY:

- To enhance scientific understanding, standardization of environmental monitoring methods for air, water, soil, wastes, and vehicle emissions will be pursued through increased investments in new technology in order to understand its current condition. An information network will be developed in cooperation with KETRI, KINITI and KORDIC.

The efficiency of environmental impact assessment has been promoted in the Environmental Impact Assessment Act by strengthening the links between the process of assessment and project approval by enhancing management and supervision of projects after assessment and also by reinforcing the role of projects approval authorities.

To build capacity and capability, the government is selecting a strategic field of technology at the national level and training qualified scientific and technological personnel by strengthening the scientific infrastructure in universities with expanded financial support and an increase in the number of college students in science and engineering classes. The government will build alliances between industries and research institutions so that people can be trained by the institutions and later work for the industries. The government will also improve the quality of scientific knowledge learned through supporting international exchange programs such as postdoctorate programs abroad.

a) Reorientation of education towards sustainable development

- To provide students with opportunities to learn environmental subjects, the government is expanding the number of teachers who will be specialized in environment subjects, and preparing efficient teaching materials for environment-related subjects for grade schools, middle schools, and high schools by consolidating the operation of the Environment Conservation Model School, established in 1985. The government will develop and implement Site Participation Environmental Education Programs such as 'Inspection of Local River Contamination', and an 'Environmental Basic Facility Visit' as curricular classes or during outside-class learning.

b) Increasing public awareness

- In cooperation with national TV stations, cable TV networks, and local networks, the government began broadcasting a regular program on environmental issues to promote public awareness of the global environment, and

encouraged government public relations work, private business advertisements, and other media campaigns to incorporate the environmental agenda.

c) Promoting training

- For the Environmental Officials Training Institute and the Association for Environment Conservation, the government established an effective educational and training system for government employees and technical experts working on environmental issue. Therefore, the government is assisting private sectors and NGOs in operating various environmental education programs to enhance public awareness of citizens on environment and development.

ROLE OF MAJOR GROUPS:

- The National Council of Environmental Organizations plays an important role as an NGO forum to reflect citizens' concerns and opinions regarding policy-making. Major NGOs in Korea participate in this council.

FINANCING AND COST EVALUATION OF THE LABOUR ACTIVITIES: No information

- Capacity building is crucial for enhancing the ability to evaluate and resolve various problems related to selecting environmentally friendly and sustainable development policies. In its National Action Plan for Agenda 21, Korea promised to foster international cooperation in order to support other developing countries with various forms of assistance and collaboration. A standardized evaluation method and mechanism will be developed to take both environmental and development aspects of policy alternatives into account.

- The development of technology, specialized personnel, and institutional capacities for the implementation of Agenda 21 is necessary, especially to the developing countries. In 1992, Korea launched the Ten Year Project to develop new and innovative environmental technologies in order to enhance environmental protection and conservation capabilities. Furthermore, Korea plans to establish joint-research systems involving companies, universities and government-sponsored research institutions. A comprehensive data base of environmentally sound technologies will be compiled to form a new information system which will facilitate the effective transfer of technologies and experiences.