Bi-decadal trends in land cover and ecological dynamics across the Korean Peninsula with implications for sustainable development

Abstract

This study analyzes land cover and ecological changes on the Korean Peninsula over two decades (2001–2021), emphasizing the relationship between ecological diversity and key drivers such as population dynamics, land use changes, and climatic factors. Leveraging Earth observation data on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform and machine learning-based analysis enables a broader range of trend analyses. Key results include a 4% increase in urban areas, a 1.1% rise in forest coverage, and a 3.1% decrease in cropland. Population trends show a 7.44% growth in urban regions and a 1.22% decline in rural areas, while SDG indices reveal a 10.56% increase in the Urban Green Space Index in some areas. The innovative Ecological Characteristic Map (ECM) provides significant insights, highlighting the variability in ecological conditions and the need for region-specific conservation strategies. This work contributes to the discourse on sustainable development in the Korean Peninsula, fostering collaboration while laying the groundwork for peace-building initiatives and science diplomacy.