Effectiveness of Conservation Efforts on Endangered Species Recovery in Korea

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the assessing the effectiveness of conservation efforts on endangered species recovery in Korea. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Habitat restoration, legal protections, captive breeding programs and community involvement, have contributed significantly to the rebound of certain species. For instance, the implementation of the Endangered Species Act in the United States has facilitated the recovery of species like the American bald eagle and the gray wolf, both of which have seen substantial population increases due to targeted conservation actions. Similarly, the establishment of marine protected areas has been crucial in the recovery of several marine species, including sea turtles and various fish populations. However, the success of these efforts is often contingent on sustained funding, political will, and public support. In regions where conservation funding is limited or where there is significant conflict with human interests, such as in agricultural or urban development areas, recovery efforts can be less effective. Additionally, climate change poses a growing threat to many endangered species, complicating conservation strategies and necessitating adaptive measures. Global collaboration and the integration of traditional ecological knowledge with modern scientific practices have also been pivotal. For example, community-based conservation projects in Africa have successfully involved local populations in protecting species like the black rhinoceros and African elephant, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in conservation efforts. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Resilience theory, theory of planned behavior and economic theory of natural resource management may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the effectiveness of conservation efforts on endangered species recovery in Korea. In practice, expanding habitat restoration initiatives emerges as a crucial strategy. Prioritizing projects that aim to reconnect fragmented habitats and enhance ecosystem resilience against climate change impacts can significantly bolster species recovery efforts. On the policy front, enforcing legal protections is paramount.