Abstract

Targeting a rooftop biotope created in urban area, this study aims at verifying a creation technique reflecting an urban biosphere reserve concept as well as its function as the habitats of various wild animals. To this end, a set of processes of a biosphere reserve-based basic conception and master plan, sectoral plans, construction and monitoring were applied to the rooftop of 12-story UNESCO Building in Seoul. In particular, the rooftop habitats were divided into core area, buffer zone and transition area, and habitats and facilities suitable to the characteristics of each space were planned. By aligning a plantation planning map with environmental conditions such as topography and water, creation of diverse habitats was enabled. As a result, a set of various habitats including wetlands, wild grassland, shrubs, forest trees and vegetable fields was created at the site. Species living in these habitats included 148 plant species, 62 insect species, 2 amphibian species, 3 fishery species and 3 bird species. The rooftop eco-park of UNESCO Building, which was created one year ago, is assessed as an important space for conservation of biodiversity as well as a place where a biosphere reserve concept was well applied. Meanwhile, for this rooftop biotope to be a pioneer of urban biosphere reserve-based types, a number of principles & methodologies suggested in this study need to be applied, In a perspective of landscape ecology, maintenance efforts should be linked with green areas in neighboring areas, which are the sources of species, In addition, considering that the rooftop biotope is a restored ecosystem, theories and approaches from restoration ecology should be applied. On-going monitoring on environmental changes is also required as the site is located in the urban center, Ultimately, rooftop biotopes including the case study area should contribute in promoting the socio-economic, cultural, and spiritual sustainability as well as environmental sustainability of a city.

Keywords

• rooftop biotope;
• urban biosphere reerve