Developing Climate Change Adaptation Pathways Considering Biodiversity and Forest Hazards: A Case Study of Palgongsan National Park

Climate change transforms national park ecosystems, affecting wildlife and visitors alike. Systematic and flexible management strategies are needed to address varying climate impacts. This study established two conservation objectives—biodiversity conservation and forest hazard management—for climate adaptation in Palgongsan National Park, Daegu, South Korea, applying the RAD(Resist-Accept-Direct) framework.

We identified actionable measures: biodiversity conservation through "habitat refugia establishment and management" and "structural diversity enhancement"; forest hazard management via "fuelbreaks establishment," "thinning and pruning," and "trail relocation". Spatial machine learning models identified biodiversity priority zones and fire-vulnerable areas. RAD adaptation levels were assigned to each zone, visualizing intervention outcomes.

Spatial analysis identified priority zones for adaptation measures. Single intervention-single adaptation level suits some areas, while multiple interventions-multiple adaptation levels are optimal elsewhere. This demonstrates that intervention types and combinations vary systematically by conservation objectives and local characteristics.

The RAD framework proves effective for national park climate adaptation strategy development. Proposed spatial priorities and intervention combinations provide a scientific basis to enhance existing management plans. Continuous monitoring and stakeholder collaboration are essential post-implementation.