Suggestions for the Improvement of the Invasive Alien Species Management in Korea - A Comparative Analysis of the Legal Framework for Invasive Alien Species between Japan and Korea

Abstract

Introduction, establishment and invasion of alien species have caused worldwide environmental losses. To prevent the adverse effects of invasive alien species on ecosystems, human safety and agriculture, forestry and fisheries, Japan has enacted the Invasive Alien Species Act since 2005. Invasive Alien Species (IAS) and Uncategorized Alien Species (UAS) have been designated based on the potential adverse risks of alien species on ecosystems in Japan. The regulation on IAS and UAS have greatly reduced the importation of live wildlife in Japan, and these regulation system have been considered effective for reducing the introduction of alien species into Japan. In Korea, the harmful non-indigenous species has been regulated by the Natural Environment Conservation Act since 1998. According to the Act on Preservation and Use of Biodiversity Act (Biodiversity Act) that has been entered into force in February 2013, ecological risk assessment should be conducted for the import of potentially harmful alien species. This Act also covers the regulation of the alien species that seriously damage ecosystems (ecosystem-disturbing species), previously designated as harmful non-indigenous species. The procedures for the designation, import approval of the potentially harmful alien species and communication with stakeholder need to be improved for the efficient enforcement of the new Biodiversity Act in Korea.