Inter-regional partnership for watershed conservation in Korea

摘要

There are many conflicts of interest in the conservation and use of natural resources, a good example is the conservation of watershed. The case of the Han River was investigated to identify the important factors for successful implementation of land-use policy for watershed conservation. The watershed conservation policy is an output of a series of negotiations between representatives of downstream and upper region residents. The new policy introduced an instrument for internalization of externalities from watershed conservation, based on the concept of environmental justice among the stakeholders. The conflicts of interest among the stakeholders can be resolved through the establishment of a partnership among themselves, with the help of governmental and non-governmental agencies. The effectiveness of the policy instrument is determined not only by the participation of the stakeholders but also by a sound understanding of the facts, the lack of which makes it difficult for the water users to pay for the watershed conservation.