The Social and Ecological Dimension of Ecosystem Service Enhancement in Post-Mining Forest Rehabilitation: Integrating Stakeholder Perspectives

Mining activities lead to significant environmental degradation, including soil erosion, water pollution, and biodiversity loss. In South Korea, abandoned coal mines cause considerable ecological disturbances in mountainous regions. Forest rehabilitation has been proposed as a strategy to mitigate these impacts, but its effectiveness depends on successfully integrating ecosystem services (ES). This study assesses the social value of ES in post-mining rehabilitation by incorporating perspectives from local communities and experts in forestry and mining sectors. A mixed-methods approach involving surveys and interviews was employed to gather stakeholder views on 18 ES, including provisioning, regulating, cultural, and habitat services. Results indicate that local communities prioritize cultural and regulating services, such as mental health, aesthetic value, and climate regulation, while experts emphasize regulating services like soil erosion control and carbon sequestration. This divergence highlights the need for a balanced approach that integrates both ecological and socio-cultural benefits, suggesting that community needs have not been adequately reflected in current practices. The study findings underscore the importance of incorporating community input into forest management to ensure both ecological outcomes and social value, offering a framework for adaptive management that aligns ecological goals with community needs, ultimately promoting sustainability and resilience in post-mining landscapes.