Baseline (2022)	Interim stage (2023-2027)	Final stage (2028)
- The institutional base was built for the implementation of the Natural Environment Restoration Project	- Phase 1 nationwide survey of degraded land* (20% each year) - Pilot projects	- Phase 1 degraded land survey complete - Updating and use of a list of target sites
▸Institutional base	▸Database development and project implementation	▸Degraded land restoration system in place

ㅇ From 2023 to 2027, divide the country into 5 regions and survey 20% of each region every year, develop a list of priority areas for restoration based on the size and ecological value of degraded areas identified in the survey, and update the list on an annual basis.
- This process involves the identification of degraded areas based on data and local demand, followed by a site survey and assessment, and the listing of target sites by type and grade. The sites will be classified into Urgent, Caution and Monitoring groups, depending on the extent of degradation of the structure and function of their environment.

ㅇ Based on the findings from the survey, begin work in 2024 to develop priority area listing criteria that include quantitative factors serving to identify the extent of degradation and qualitative factors in order to consider the need and enabling conditions for restoration.

ㅇ Develop the Master Plan for the Management and Ecological Restoration of Tidal Flats and Adjacent Areas* to set out a direction for identifying degraded areas and selecting priority tidal flat areas for restoration.
* The legal basis for this plan is Article 7 of the Act on the Sustainable Use and Restoration of Mud Flats.

ㅇ Establish, on a yearly basis, an annual implementation plan for the first edition of the Master Plan for Forest Restoration (2020-2029), a policy document identifying goals, such as restoring 2,750 ha of forests and the Baekdudaegan (mountains) Ecological Axis at 22 locations, and conduct a survey to examine the status of degraded forest areas.

ㅇ Continue to ecologically restore urban areas to increase accessible ecological space. Ensure the conservation and restoration of Restricted Development Zones close to the Core Ecological Axes by launching a pilot project in a single location in 2024 and then considering its expansion to other locations later.

ㅇ Diversify the target sites for restoration to include former military bases and abandoned mines. Launch the Janghang National Wetland Restoration Project from 2024 to develop a good practice model for state-led restoration, and encourage similar projects in the private sector.

ㅇ From 2024 onward, develop and implement a three-phase plan to expand the scope of the Baekdudaegan Ecological Axis restoration project to include the mountains’ major range branches, and fragmented and damaged areas near the Regional Ecological Axes.

ㅇ Develop implementation guidelines for the Natural Environment Restoration Project to identify directions for restoration and management measures for different project types.

ㅇ Restore, on a yearly basis, 295 ha of naturally or artificially damaged or fragmented forests near Baekdudaegan, the Demilitarized Zone, islands and coastal areas to maintain or improve the biodiversity and health of forest ecosystems.

ㅇ By 2028, assess the status of tidal flats and identify 20 target sites for restoration.

ㅇ By 2030, restore 10 ㎢ of tidal flats and 105㎢ of vegetation areas by launching a restoration project for 2 tidal flats and 4 vegetation areas among priority restoration areas every year.
- Improve ecosystem connectivity by planting and restoring halophytes and seagrasses; identify, by 2030, a total of 50 indicator species for the Marine Ecological Axes and raise public awareness about them.

ㅇ By 2024, develop guidelines for the carbon absorption analysis and assessment of ecological restoration projects, apply them to projects by the ME and local governments, and consider expanding their application.

ㅇ Provide consulting support from specialized agencies to have ecological restoration projects recognized as carbon offsets (Korean Credit Unit, KCU), initially targeting local governments and public organizations in 2025 and expanding coverage to include private-sector projects in 2026.

ㅇ By 2030, increase the number of Specialized Graduate Schools for Green Restoration to more than 5 and the number of green restoration specialists to more than 400, up from 100 in 2022.

ㅇ From 2024, streamline the Natural Environment Conservation Act to engage companies with expertise in restoration projects and identify well-restored areas based on compliance with the Guidelines for the Natural Environment Restoration Project (tentative title) and satisfaction levels of local residents.

ㅇ Designate areas that can add value to the local economy through ecological restoration, such as improving ecosystem services and green infrastructure, as Ecosystem Service Promotion Zones. Launch the Janghang National Wetland Restoration Project as a pilot in 2025 and gradually expand to other regions.

ㅇ Develop a technological framework to oversee the entire process of green restoration projects, from planning to follow-up, based on the latest technologies, such as satellites, artificial intelligence (AI) and information and communications technology (ICT).

ㅇ By 2027, develop a single channel called the “Integrated Information System for Natural Environment Restoration” for the integrated management of projects that are scattered across multiple ministries and agencies.