<Sustainable Ecological Strategies for Restoring Jeju's Oreum>
[The Problem and Necessity of Restoration of Donnery Oreum]
Located between Hallim-eup and Andeok-myeon, Jeju, Donnery Oreum is a complex volcano with two craters. However, increased tourist activity has caused erosion of its scoria layer, leading to the implementation of a Natural Rest Period since 2008. Despite this, natural restoration has been slow due to scoria displacement, necessitating a more systematic and harmonious restoration approach.
[Restoration Goals of Code of Nature]
Code of Nature aims to prevent scoria displacement by utilizing mosses and microorganisms, ensuring the successful establishment of native plants with deep, wide root systems. This prevents invasive species from disturbing the ecosystem and helps restore the Oreum's natural environment, ultimately converting it into an ecological tourism resource.
[Restoration Method: Moss Kit and Aerial Dispersion Technology]
Code of Nature uses a "Moss Kit," consisting of moss spore culture liquid, nutrient solution, and plant hormones to promote eco-friendly restoration. By deploying drones, sprayers, and helicopters to apply these solutions aerially, they reduce the restoration timeline and enhance ecological stability with innovative techniques.
The moss selected for the oreum restoration had to meet the following criteria:(1) survive in extreme dry and cold environments, (2) thrive on sandy soil or rocks in both partial shade and sunlight, and (3) be native to Donnery Oreum. As a result, three moss species—*Racomitrium canescens*, *Hypnum plumaeforme*, and *Ceratodon purpureus*—were chosen for the project.
The restoration project has significantly improved various soil properties on Donnery Oreum, including pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), calcium (Ca), organic carbon, potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg). Additionally, it is predicted that SOC (Soil Organic Carbon) will increase by more than 70% within the first year, with rapid changes observed during the first 100 days.
[Restoration Results and Predictions]
The restoration project has significantly improved various soil properties on Donnery Oreum, including pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), calcium (Ca), organic carbon, potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg). Additionally, it is predicted that SOC (Soil Organic Carbon) will increase by more than 70% within the first year, with rapid changes observed during the first 100 days.
[Future Outlook and Ecological Tourism Potential]
Over the next 10 years, Donnery Oreum's Aboveground Carbon Density (ACD) is expected to improve by more than 50%, positioning the restored Oreum as a valuable ecological tourism site. Through this project, Donnery Oreum will become a sustainable restoration model harmonized with nature.