Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources

~2022

• Establishment of biodiversity survey methods for groundwater systems (mixing zones, caves, etc.) and survey of 2 medium sub-basins of the Nakdong River

• Introduction of environmental DNA techniques and preliminary research for freshwater biodiversity analysis

2023-2025

• Completion of groundwater biodiversity surveys in 20 medium sub-basins (upper, middle, and lower reaches) of the Nakdong River basin

• Establishment of aquatic insect analysis methods using environmental DNA, and construction of a genetic information database for aquatic insects
  - Preparation of manuals for environmental DNA analysis methods arranged by freshwater environment
  (riffle(2023), flow(2024), and small environment(2025))
• Achievement of 50% detection rate of aquatic insects using environmental DNA

2026-2028

• Expansion to biodiversity surveys of groundwater systems in the Han River, Geumgang River, and Yeongsangang River basins

• Expansion of target taxa for environmental DNA analysis to freshwater fish and benthic diatoms
• Achievement of a detection rate of more than 90% for freshwater fish and aquatic insects using environmental DNA
• Supplementation and replacement of freshwater biodiversity survey methods with environmental DNA analysis (by 2030)

~2022

• Securing resources (16 species) for conservation and restoration of endangered freshwater organisms

• Development of propagation technology for endangered freshwater plants (Epilobium hirsutum L.)

• Planning of research projects related to carbon neutrality

2023-2025

• Securing resources (18 species) for conservation and restoration focusing on endangered freshwater fish and plants

• Habitat survey, genetic diversity analysis, and propagation technology development for endangered freshwater plants (Cicuta virosa L.(2023), Ceratopteris thalictroides (L.) Brongn.(2024), Viola raddeana Regel(2025))

• Identification of carbon storage capacity of freshwater wetland sediments (Upo Wetland, 3 sites)
• Research on carbon absorption, storage, and emission functions, and development of a carbon cycle prediction model

2026-2028

• Expansion of target taxa for securing endangered freshwater organisms to invertebrates (19 species)

• Development of ex-situ propagation technology for endangered freshwater plants (3 cases)

• Expansion to various types of freshwater wetlands (peat wetlands, riverside wetlands, etc.; 5 sites)
• Application, improvement, and advancement of carbon absorption, storage, and emission (carbon cycle) models