Suggestions for utilizing climate change impact assessment information for the in-situ conservation of subalpine coniferous forest in Republic of Korea

The subalpine evergreen coniferous forest in Republic of Korea is a representative vulnerable forest facing risk such as area reduction and massive death due to warming temperature and extreme weather caused by climate change. Multiple policy and research efforts exist to conserve biodiversity in the vulnerable subalpine evergreen conifer forest. However, due to a lack of linkages between scientific information and practical management on the site, progressive implementation of adaptation management in the subalpine evergreen conifer forest has been limited. This study aims to suggest a tentative framework for utilizing scientific information on the impact of climate change on subalpine evergreen coniferous forests to discover and apply adaptation measures for local conservation. The status of information on the impact of climate change on subalpine evergreen coniferous species was reviewed by dividing it into field monitoring, physiological response experiments, and projection of changes in potential habitat according to climate change scenarios. Based on the understanding of this information, it was proposed a stepwised approach to the discovery of adaptation measures for in-situ conservation, including problem identification, target site selection, screening of potential measures, and feasibility review. This approach is expected to contribute to decision-making and establishment of adaptation strategies based on scientific information on the impact of climate change for the sustainable conservation of subalpine evergreen coniferous forests.