[Background] 

Following the amendment of the Act (2025.03.18) introducing private participation, performance recognition, certification of excellent restoration projects, and a registration system for project agents, it is necessary to stipulate matters required for the designation, operation, and cancellation of Support Centers authorized by law to act as agents for these tasks. Minimal government intervention is needed to activate natural environment restoration projects and promote national biodiversity through systematic support by the Support Centers.

[Main Points] 

A. Regulation of Ecotourism Designation and Certification (Proposed Articles 34-2 to 34-4)

Designation and Certification Criteria: Stipulate the factors to be considered when designating an ecotourism area and specify the subjects (targets) and certifying bodies for the certification of excellent ecotourism programs, etc.

B. Standards for Ecotourism Area Evaluation and Incentives (Proposed Article 34-5)

Evaluation and Incentives: Prescribe measures to be taken based on the evaluation results of ecotourism areas, and establish the standards for rewarding excellent ecotourism areas.

C. Expansion of the Natural Environment Information Network (Proposed Article 6)

Information Network: Specify the detailed protected areas to be included in the Natural Environment Information Network, considering their contribution to natural environment conservation. The Korea National Park Service (국립공원공단) is added as an institution entrusted with the construction and operation of the Natural Environment Information Network.

D. Private Participation in Natural Environment Restoration Projects (Proposed Articles 35-6, 35-7, Attached Table 2-4)

Private Participation: Prescribe matters concerning private participation in natural environment restoration projects through donation or lending (기부·대여등), including the documents required for submission, the procedure for donation or lending, and the recognition of performance results.

E. Certification of Excellent Natural Environment Restoration Projects (Proposed Article 35-8)

Certification Body: Designate the Natural Environment Restoration Support Center (자연환경복원지원센터), specified under Article 45-9, Paragraph 1 of the Act, as the specialized institution responsible for the certification of excellent natural environment restoration projects.

F. Designation and Procedures for Natural Environment Restoration Support Centers (Proposed Articles 35-9, 35-10)

Support Center Designation: Allow for the designation of institutions or organizations with expertise in natural environment restoration as a Natural Environment Restoration Support Center, and stipulate detailed designation and cancellation procedures.

G. Calculation of Ecological Conservation Charge and Exemptions (Proposed Article 38(1), Attached Table 2-6)

Ecological Conservation Charge: Mandate the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment to determine and announce the per-unit-area levy amount of the Ecological Conservation Charge, ensuring that the consumer price inflation rate is reflected in the calculation. Furthermore, exempt projects carried out under disaster/calamity recovery plans, such as forest fires, from the Ecological Conservation Charge.

H. Deletion of Regulations on Ecological Conservation Charge Refund Projects (Proposed Article 46)

Refund Project Deletion: Delete the regulation concerning the implementation of Ecological Conservation Charge refund projects by an agent of the natural environment conservation project. This reflects the amendment of the Act (promulgated on March 18, 2025, effective March 19, 2026) that allows the person who paid the charge to implement the refund project.

I. Regulation of Natural Environment Conservation Project Agents (Proposed Articles 46-2 to 46-4, Attached Table 4)

Agent Regulation: Prescribe the scope of natural environment conservation projects that a Natural Environment Conservation Project Agent (자연환경보전사업 대행자) can undertake, the qualification requirements for agent registration, important matters requiring change registration, and the criteria for imposing administrative fines (fines for negligence) for non-compliance.