수생태계 복원을 위한 제도정비 방안과 추진전략

Abstract

This study aims to suggest improving the system and strategy for aquatic ecosystem restoration by reviewing the effect on the aquatic ecosystem by past river management practices and related laws and institutional system. In Korea, the water quality management policy moves from protecting water source and constructing wastewater treatment facilities in the past to the risk management of ambient water and restoring aquatic ecosystem. Although it is essential that the ultimate goal of protecting water environment is healthy aquatic ecosystem, there is not fundamental consideration for the aquatic ecosystem in the many water-related laws and regulations. After 1990s, there have been many efforts to manage the river in environment friendly way by the ministry of transport and construction(MOCT), the ministry of environment(MOE) and the national emergency management agency(NEMA). Recently the value of real estate near the river is rising, compared to other places. It shows that environmental resources have potential economic value. In accordance with the need for clean and healthy water environment, many governmental authorities and local governments plan to increase the investment to restore the river environment. But the institutional system has problems to restore water because of insufficient understanding on aquatic ecosystem. Without understanding the importance of aquatic ecosystem, past river management practices leave discontinuing passage of fishes along the river system. There are too many dams and dikes along the river which hinders natural movement of water and aquatic ecosystem. Moreover the embankment constructed with non-natural materials interferes the horizontal exchange of water and riparian ecosystem. These unnatural river management practices resulted dramatic decrease of the health of aquatic ecosystem. To improve the system and strategy restoring aquatic ecosystem, the laws and regulations related to water and river should consider aquatic ecosystem. If it is difficult to integrate all water related affairs in a government authority, it is suggested to build a council of water related governmental authorities to set the goal, to share the role and to make infrastructure restoring aquatic ecosystem. By adopting the strategy of "role and play" considering the capacity and function of each authorities, it is possible to restore aquatic ecosystem efficiently. The first step should be the systematic investigation of aquatic ecosystem by preparing the common investigation manual and road map for restoring aquatic ecosystem. Next step is to build a participation system of local stakeholders to make the sustainable system for aquatic ecosystem. To facilitate and invest efficiently the restoration project for aquatic ecosystem, it is desirable for the local government to prepare the map for the milestone and priority restoring aquatic ecosystem.