The Korea National Arboretum of the Korea Forest Service announced the discovery of a new natural habitat of the rare boreal plant Vaccinium vitis-idaea in Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province. Covering approximately 600 m², the newly identified habitat is believed to be the largest Vaccinium vitis-idaea habitat recorded in the Republic of Korea to date. The survey was initiated following a report submitted by a citizen scientist active on the citizen science platform NATURING.

Vaccinium vitis-idaea is a rare boreal plant that grows primarily in cold regions and is extremely rare in the wild in the Republic of Korea. Until now, only two natural habitats of Vaccinium vitis-idaea had been identified in the country: one on the summit of Seoraksan and the other at a wind-hole site in Hongcheon-gun. The discovery of this new habitat in Pyeongchang-gun is expected to significantly expand the scope of research and conservation efforts for Vaccinium vitis-idaea in the Republic of Korea.

The identification of this habitat is significant not only because it marks the discovery of a new natural habitat for a rare plant species, but also because it provides an important example of the environmental conditions under which Vaccinium vitis-idaea can survive as climate change continues to reduce suitable habitats for boreal plants that prefer cool environments. The findings are expected to serve as baseline data for future research on climate change–driven shifts in plant distribution and the development of conservation strategies.

This discovery is also significant in demonstrating that citizen science can make meaningful contributions to biodiversity conservation and research. Observations and records collected by citizens who frequently visit natural areas can play an important role in identifying previously undocumented habitats and species distribution information that might otherwise be overlooked by researchers. The Korea National Arboretum plans to continue working with citizen science networks to strengthen the foundation for forest biodiversity surveys and rare plant monitoring.

The discovery is also significant from the perspective of rare plant conservation policy. The Korea Forest Service and the Korea National Arboretum plan to conduct additional detailed surveys to thoroughly assess the habitat’s distribution range, growing conditions, and population characteristics. Based on the findings, they will pursue the designation of the Vaccinium vitis-idaea habitat as a Forest Genetic Resources Reserve to ensure its systematic protection.

Designation as a Forest Genetic Resources Reserve would provide stronger protection for the habitat against uncontrolled access and damage. It is expected to provide a sound basis for the long-term survival of this rare plant species in its natural environment while also serving as an important measure to safeguard the Republic of Korea’s plant genetic resources for future generations.

The Director of the Forest Biodiversity Conservation Research Division at the Korea National Arboretum stated, “The newly identified habitat of Vaccinium vitis-idaea is significant not only for the conservation of boreal plants in the Republic of Korea, but also for developing plant conservation strategies in response to climate change. It is particularly meaningful that the interest and participation of a citizen scientist have resulted in tangible research outcomes. We will carry out additional surveys and proceed with the designation process to ensure that this rare plant habitat is conserved in a stable and systematic manner.”

The Director of the Forest Environment Protection Division at the Korea Forest Service stated, “The discovery of this new habitat of Vaccinium vitis-idaea demonstrates that research and policies for the conservation of rare plant species are yielding tangible results. We will continue to identify habitats of forest plants vulnerable to climate change and protect them systematically, thereby further strengthening the foundation for forest biodiversity conservation in the Republic of Korea.”