Biological diversity is the variety of life as it currently exists on Earth. From the smaller components of genes right up through species, populations, communities, and ecosystems, all these collectively contribute to biodiversity. When a wide variety of life is present, the biotic and abiotic (that is, living and physical) components of an ecosystem enjoy healthy functionality. When the diversity of life is threatened through human interaction, the function of these components becomes compromised.
Mountain ecosystems, in most biomes in which they are found, are wonderfully diverse and rich in life. Although mountains command a rugged, imposing presence, they are delicate fragile ecosystems. Loss of habitat and species depreciating biodiversity in mountains has direct effects on sustainability and human health. This is of particular concern for South Korea since the Korean landscape is roughly 70 to 75% mountainous. Along with all the faunal and floral inhabitants on the Korean peninsula, humans here depend on healthy, biologically diverse mountains foremost for the sustaining of life, and secondly for aesthetic and recreational desires.
Haeckel's Tree of Life
Ecosystems found in South Korea include mountains, three forest types, freshwater ecosystems, coastal and marine areas and agricultural ecosystems. Nearly 30,000 species of animals, plants, fungi, protista, and prokaryotes, as well as some 16,500 invertebrates are found in South Korea. Over 220 species are listed as threatened and some, such as the tiger, the iconic animal symbol of the nation, are extinct.
According to South Korea’s Fourth Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity (May 2009), Korea faces unique threats to biodiversity as brought on by human-sped climate change. This is due to the fact that human-sped climate change is occurring in Korea at a pace faster than the global average. Specifically, climate change in Korea is damaging forest ecosystems by increasing the incidences of forest fires. Furthermore, a decrease in habitat and the irresponsible mis- and overuse of natural resources are putting stress on species. Finally, a dramatic increase in invasive species in Korea is adding extra stress on natural systems and biodiversity.
In order to combat the serious threats to biodiversity facing South Korea, the government has initiated its National Biodiversity Strategy which aims to improve Korea’s biodiversity by the end of 2010, which happens to be the United Nations International Year of Biodiversity. The ultimate aim of the Strategy is to aid biodiversity by underscoring its importance to the public through education. The Strategy hopes to “achieve an integrated biodiversity research and information system at the national level, construct an adequate infrastructure for the conservation of national biodiversity, secure human resources, and raise public awareness.”
Like all biotic components, humans are part of biodiversity; however, our greatest role now must be as intelligent, informed, and rational custodians of nature and keepers of the natural processes of which we are a part and upon with we depend for life.