Abstract

Background: This study was undertaken to analyze the impact of reforestation and logging (i.e., forestry projects) on forest carbon stocks and biodiversity. Vegetation and biodiversity data were utilized from areas where forestry projects were implemented to estimate changes in carbon stocks and biodiversity before and after forestry projects. The carbon-biodiversity linkage assessment was developed by indexing carbon stocks and biodiversity in the same ratio. Results: A high carbon-biodiversity linkage assessment index indicates high carbon stocks and biodiversity. Forestry projects were found to have a negative impact on both carbon stocks and biodiversity. Significant reductions in tree above-ground and soil carbon stocks and biodiversity declines of mast taxonomic groups were observed. However, due to differences in ecosystem characteristics, the magnitude of biodiversity decline varied among taxa. A decline following forestry projects was demonstrated as a result of the carbon-biodiversity linkage assessment. A decrease in the carbon-biodiversity linkage index indicates a weakening of ecosystem services, climate change reduction, and mitigation functions of the target area. Through carbon-biodiversity linkage assessment, this study identified hotspot areas with high carbon stocks and biodiversity. Conclusions: These areas of concern can provide a policy basis information for simultaneously increasing and conserving carbon storage capacity and biodiversity in Korea. Therefore, we recommend an ecosystem survey database that is consistent in time and space should be established and managed for accurate carbon-biodiversity linkage assessment. It is also necessary, depending on ecosystem type and environmental impacts, to investigate the synergy and trade-offs between carbon stocks and biodiversity.