[Background]

With sufficient ecotourism resources accumulated since 2013 and the growing importance of ecotourism in the inbound market, government support and intervention are necessary for South Korea to secure an advantageous position in the international ecotourism field (monitoring global trends, international exchange/cooperation, overseas expansion).

[Main Points] 

A. Procedures for Ecotourism Area Designation and Cancellation (Proposed Article 25-2)

Designation and Cancellation: Stipulate the procedures concerning the designation and cancellation of ecotourism areas.

B. Certification of Excellent Ecotourism Programs (Proposed Articles 25-3, 25-4, 25-5)

Certification: Prescribe the certification standards and application methods for Excellent Ecotourism Programs, and stipulate the procedure for the cancellation of ecotourism certification.

C. Information in the Integrated Ecotourism Resource Information System (Proposed Article 25-6)

Information System: Stipulate the specific information to be included in the Integrated Ecotourism Resource Information System for the purpose of promoting ecotourism.

D. Standards for Ecotourism International Cooperation Support Center (Proposed Article 25-7)

Support Center Designation: Prescribe the facility and personnel standards, as well as the designation procedures, for the Ecotourism International Cooperation Support Center.

E. Evaluation of Ecotourism Area Management and Operation (Proposed Article 25-8)

Evaluation: Stipulate the factors to be considered and the evaluation procedures for assessing the management and operation of ecotourism areas.

F. Expansion of Private Participation in Natural Environment Restoration Projects (Proposed Article 28-4)

Private Participation Methods: Add methods of private participation in natural environment restoration projects, such as the pro bono provision of personnel or technical capabilities.

G. Certification of Excellent Natural Environment Restoration Projects (Proposed Articles 28-5, 28-6)

Certification: Specifically stipulate the certification procedures, certification standards, and cancellation procedures for Excellent Natural Environment Restoration Projects.

H. Standards for Natural Environment Restoration Support Center (Proposed Article 28-7, Attached Table 2-3)

Support Center Standards: Prescribe the facility and personnel standards for the designation of the Natural Environment Restoration Support Center.

I. Deletion of Regulation on Ecological Conservation Charge Refund Projects (Proposed Article 36)

Refund Project Deletion: Delete the regulation concerning the implementation of Ecological Conservation Charge refund projects by a Natural Environment Conservation Project Agent. This reflects the amendment of the Act (promulgated on March 18, 2025, effective March 19, 2026) which allows the person who paid the charge to implement the refund project.

J. Regulation of Natural Environment Conservation Project Agents (Proposed Articles 36-2 to 36-5, Attached Table 2-4)

Agent Regulation: Prescribe the scope of duties that a Natural Environment Conservation Project Agent can undertake, the procedures for registration and change registration, reporting of performance results, and detailed standards for administrative dispositions (sanctions).