About Korea’s SBSAP/LBSAP

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About Korea’s SBSAP/LBSAP

  • A comprehensive strategic framework formulated by subnational and local governments to define sector-specific targets and corresponding implementation plans for conserving biodiversity and promoting the sustainable use of biological resources within their respective jurisdictions.

Background to the Establishment of SBSAP/LBSAP

  • The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) emphasizes that the participation and contribution of not only central governments but also subnational and local governments are essential for the success of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).
  • CBD specifies that it is important for subnational and local governments to develop and implement Subnational and Local Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (SBSAPs/LBSAPs) that are aligned with the national strategies, while they participate in the formulation and implementation of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs).
  • Article 4 of the Act on the Conservation and Use of Biological Diversity of the Republic of Korea stipulates that the State and local governments have an obligation to conserve biodiversity and ensure its sustainable use.

Legal Basis of the Establishment

Relevant biodiversity-related ordinances of each local government
※ August 2025, 11 metropolitan local governments have ordinances
    that explicitly stipulate the establishment of SBSAPs/LBSAPs.

Implementation Period

Determined by each local government (may vary depending on the relevant ordinance)
※ A five-year cycle is recommended to ensure alignment with the NBSAP.

Key Elements

  1. Current status, objectives, and basic directions for biodiversity
  2. Protection and management of biodiversity and its components
  3. Sustainable use of biodiversity components
  4. Measures to address threats to biodiversity
  5. Management of species of concern for domestic inflow and alien species affecting biodiversity
  6. Research, technological development, and education related to biodiversity
  7. Other matters necessary for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity

Linkage with the NBSAP

  • In principle, the formulation and implementation of SBSAPs/LBSAPs are independently led by local governments, and it is essential that these strategies reflect the distinctive characteristics of each region.
  • However, alignment between the NBSAP and SBSAPs/LBSAPs is vital to achieving their respective objectives.
  • National-level targets and indicators should be reflected in SBSAPs/LBSAPs to enable integrated implementation and monitoring.
  • When SBSAPs/LBSAPs are aligned with the NBSAP while reflecting local characteristics, the effectiveness of implementation can be maximized.
  • Since local biodiversity information collectively constitutes national biodiversity data, mutual alignment enables efficient implementation and evaluation.
  • National-level financial and technical support for mutually aligned goals can enhance the effectiveness of SBSAPs/LBSAPs.
  • → Based on the above, the National Biodiversity Center recommends that five of the 21 targets under the 5th NBSAP of the Republic of Korea, identified as those where local governments are expected to play a particularly important role, be reflected in the formulation or revision of SBSAPs/LBSAPs and incorporated into the implementation and monitoring framework.

Key Targets and Indicators in the 5th NBSAP with Significant Roles for Local Governments

This table presents key targets and indicators in the 5th NBSAP with significant roles for local governments, along with their descriptions.
Target Indicator Description
2. Increase the value of natural capital through ecosystem restoration Headline: Area under restoration Area of degraded ecosystems where restoration work is underway (㎢)
3. Expand protected areas and OECMs and improve benefits to local communities Headline: Coverage of protected areas and OECMs Coverage of domestic terrestrial and marine and coastal protected areas and OECMs (㎢)
6. Strengthen the prevention and control of invasive alien species Complementary: Index associated with the control and eradication of alien species Amount of budget spent on the population control and removal of invasive species (KRW)
11. Enhance urban biodiversity Headline: Average share of the built-up area of cities that is green/blue space for public use for all Percentage of the population with access to open spaces within a 400m walking distance among the total population in urban/downtown areas (%)
21. Ensure the participation of various stakeholders None -