Author(s): Un Ji; Eun-Kyung Jang
Linked Author(s): Un Ji, EunKyung Jang
Keywords: Carbon Sequestration Flood Damage Mitigation Nature-Based Solution Riparian Vegetation Management
Abstract: Advanced studies and pilot projects on river management technology of nature-based solutions are being processed in Korea to prepare for extreme floods caused by climate change, improve the river environment, and maintain the natural ecosystem. Historical old map analysis in Korea has shown a significant loss of floodplain area due to levee construction for creating farmland areas over the past century. This paper introduces the technical analysis methodology and design concept applied to the levee retreat project and the flood control management without levees performed for the first time in Korea, which aims to restore a substantial portion of the lost floodplain and to enhance flood resilience, carbon sequestration, water quality, and biodiversity. Various preliminary investigation and technical research support, such as the large-scale experiments for estimating flow resistance coefficients due to woody riparian vegetation patches based on their blockage factors in the channel, the numerical modeling of the vegetated floodplain and channel, the outdoor growing field operation to quantify the carbon sequestration rate of willows in Korea, were performed for the basic planning and practical planning processes. The results reveal significant reductions in flood damage, enhanced carbon storage capabilities, and strengthened socio-economic and ecological benefits. These findings underscore the potential of nature-based solutions to serve as a replicable model for sustainable river and watershed management in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year: 2025