CHAPTER Ⅰ GENERAL PROVISIONS Article 1 (Purpose) The purpose of this Ordinance is to contribute to the healthy living of the citizens in the pleasant environment through the systematic conservation and management of the natural environment by prescribing matters authorized under the Natural Environment Conservation Act and the Protection of Wild Fauna and Flora Act and matters necessary for the enforcement thereof. <Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008>

Article 2 (Definitions) The definitions of terms used in this Ordinance shall be as follows:
1. The term "ecological and landscape conservation area" means an area designated and managed by the Seoul Metropolitan City Mayor (hereinafter referred to as the "Mayor") in accordance with the provisions of Article 7;
2. The term "protected wild animals or plants" means animals or plants designated and protected by the Mayor in accordance with the provisions of Article 15;
3. The term "wildlife sanctuary" means an area designated and protected by the Mayor in accordance with the provisions of Article 19;
4. The definitions of other terms used in this Ordinance shall be as prescribed by the Natural Environment Conservation Act (hereinafter referred to as the "Act"), the Protection of Wild Fauna and Flora Act, the Framework Act on Environmental Policy and other Acts and subordinate statutes in the field of environment.
[This Article Wholly Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008]

Article 3 (Basic Principles of Natural Environment Conservation and Utilization) The natural environment shall be conserved and managed systematically for the sustainable utilization in accordance with basic principles referred to in the subparagraphs of Article 3 of the Act and Article 3 (1) through (3) of the Protection of Wild Fauna and Flora Act. <Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008>

Article 4 (Obligations of Mayor) (1) The Mayor shall formulate and execute measures for conservation of the natural environment suitable to the local circumstances.
(2) Where the Mayor formulates and executes urban planning and a plan for urban development, etc., he/she shall endeavor to minimize damage to the natural environment in consideration of ecological healthiness of the natural environment.
(3) The Mayor shall endeavor to exchange and cooperate in information, technology, etc. concerning conservation of the natural environment with cities both domestically and overseas and international organizations, etc.
(4) The head of a Gu (hereinafter referred to as the "head of a Gu") shall proactively cooperate in policies of the Seoul Metropolitan Government (hereinafter referred to as the "Metropolitan Government") for conservation of the natural environment and endeavor to conserve the natural environment in the district under his/her jurisdiction.
[This Article Wholly Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008]

Article 5 (Obligations of Citizens) (1) The citizens (including corporations, organizations and institutions; hereinafter the same shall apply) shall endeavor to prevent pollution and damage to the natural environment owing to daily life, business activities, etc.
(2) The citizens shall proactively cooperate in policies for conservation of the natural environment executed by the Metropolitan Government and each Gu.
[This Article Wholly Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008]

Article 6 (Formulation of Action Plan for Natural Environment Conservation) The Mayor shall formulate an action plan for conservation of the natural environment pursuant to Article 6 (4) of the Act every ten years and collect opinions of the citizens, related experts or the heads of Gus, etc. <Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008>

CHAPTER Ⅱ DESIGNATION AND MANAGEMENT OF ECOLOGICAL AND LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION AREA Article 7 (Designation of Ecological and Landscape Conservation Areas) (1) An ecological and landscape conservation area shall be an area falling under any of the following subparagraphs and designated by the Mayor because he/she deems that the special conservation of such an area is necessary in accordance with the provisions of Article 23 (1) of the Act:
1. An area highly worthy of conservation and scientific research because its nature maintains a primitive character or is rich in biodiversity;
2. An area of which conservation is required for scientific research or maintenance of natural landscape because its geographical features or geological features are unique;
3. An area that may represent diverse ecosystems or a typical area of an ecosystem;
4. Other areas the natural landscape of which is superb, such as a river, mountain valley, etc.
(2) The Mayor may designate and manage an ecological and landscape conservation area classified as follows in consideration of ecological characteristics, natural landscape and topographical circumstances, etc. for the sustainable conservation and management of the ecological and landscape conservation area:
1. A core ecological and landscape conservation zone (hereinafter referred to as "core zone"): An area the special protection of which is required for the prevention of damage to the structure and functions of its ecosystem or which the Mayor intends to protect specially because its natural landscape is superb;
2. A buffer ecological and landscape conservation zone (hereinafter referred to as "buffer zone"): An area connected with a core zone and necessary for the protection of the core zone.
(3) Where an ecological and landscape conservation area has lost its value as an ecological and landscape conservation area or there is no need to conserve it due to military purposes or force majeure, such as a natural disaster, etc., the Mayor may cancel or change such designation.
[This Article Wholly Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008]

Article 8 (Procedures for Designation or Change of Ecological and Landscape Conservation Area) (1) Where the Mayor designates or changes an ecological and landscape conservation area (hereinafter in this Article referred to as "area") in accordance with the main sentence of Article 24 (1) of the Act, he/she may collect opinions of related experts.
(2) In any of the following cases, under Article 24 (1) of the Act, the Mayor shall undergo deliberation of the Green Seoul Citizens' Committee (hereinafter referred to as the "Green Seoul Citizens' Committee") under the Seoul Metropolitan Government Ordinance on the Establishment and Operation of the Green Seoul Citizens' Committee in advance:
1. Where he/she designates an area;
2. Where he/she expands or reduces the surface area of an area;
3. Where he/she adjusts all or part of a buffer zone as a core zone;
4. Where he/she adjusts a core zone as a buffer zone and the area adjusted is at least 10/100 of the gross area of the relevant area.
(3) Matters the Mayor should announce when he/she designates, changes or cancels an area pursuant to Article 24 (3) of the Act shall be as follows:
1. The name of an area;
2. Laws and regulations which are grounds for designation, change or cancellation;
3. The location and the area of an area;
4. Grounds for designation, change or cancellation;
5. The date of designation, change or cancellation;
6. Matters concerning restrictions on acts in an area;
7. Matters concerning the imposition and collection of fines for negligence on violations of restrictions on acts referred to in subparagraph 6;
8. Matters concerning an administrative agency managing an area;
9. Other matters the Mayor deems necessary.
[This Article Wholly Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008]

Article 9 (Plan for Management of Ecological and Landscape Conservation Area) (1) The Mayor shall formulate a plan for management of an ecological and landscape conservation area (hereinafter referred to as "plan for management") pursuant to Article 25 of the Act based on the result of observing changes in an ecology system and natural landscape, and collect opinions of the head of a Gu who has jurisdiction over the relevant district or related experts, etc.
(2) The Mayor shall include matters referred to in the following subparagraphs in a plan for management:
1. Matters concerning the conservation and management of natural ecology, a natural landscape and biodiversity;
2. Matters concerning contributions to the development of a community through the conservation of an ecosystem;
3. Matters concerning the observation of changes in an ecosystem and natural landscape in an ecological and landscape conservation area;
4. Matters concerning support to residents of an ecological and landscape conservation area, interested persons, etc.;
5. Other matters the Mayor deems necessary for the efficient management of an ecological and landscape conservation area.
(3) The Mayor may change a plan for management where necessary according to changes in an ecosystem, etc., and shall undergo collection of opinions pursuant to paragraph (1): Provided, That where he/she changes any matter he/she deems insignificant, he/she may omit the collection of opinions.
(4) The Mayor may entrust the observation of changes in an ecosystem and natural landscape pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) 3 to a specialized institution, organization, etc. In such cases, he/she may subsidize expenses incurred therein within budgetary limits.
(5) Necessary matters concerning details, methods, etc. of the observation of changes in an ecosystem and natural landscape shall be prescribed by Rule.
[This Article Wholly Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008]

Article 10 (Restrictions on Acts in Ecological and Landscape Conservation Area) (1) No one shall do any act falling under any of the following subparagraphs in an ecological and landscape conservation area: Provided, That where a park area designated in accordance with the Natural Parks Act or a cultural heritage (including a protective zone for a cultural heritage) under the Cultural Heritage Protection Act is included in the ecological and landscape conservation area, the Natural Parks Act or the Cultural Heritage Protection Act shall apply thereto:
1. Capturing wild animals, gathering, transplanting, destroying or withering of wild plants, setting explosives, snares, hooks, nets, traps, etc. to capture wild animals, or spraying or injecting poisonous substances, agricultural chemicals, etc. to wither wild plants, in a core zone;
2. Changing the structure of a river, lake, marsh, etc., or increasing or decreasing the level or the quantity of water;
3. Collecting or polluting soil or stones;
4. Reclaiming the surface of the water (the surface of the water);
5. Making a fire;
6. New construction or extension (only applicable to an extension of not less than double the gross building area at the time an area is designated as an ecological and landscape conservation area) of a building or other structure and changing the form or quality of land.
(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to cases falling under any of the following subparagraphs: Provided, That a person who does an act falling under subparagraphs 1 through 5 shall notify the Mayor in advance and hear his/her opinion and may notify the Mayor after the fact in cases referred to in subparagraphs 1 and 2, if it is difficult for him/her to notify the Mayor in advance, and, in cases referred to in subparagraph 7, the head of a related administrative agency shall consult with the Mayor:
1. Where an act is required for military purposes;
2. Where an emergency measure is required due to a natural disaster or disaster corresponding thereto prescribed by Rule;
3. Where a person does an act prescribed by Rule, such as an act required to maintain a way of life or the improvement of living conditions of a resident living in an ecological and landscape conservation area or of an owner, occupant or custodian of the relevant land, etc., or an act required for the continuation of farming he/she conducts when an area is designated as an ecological and landscape conservation area;
4. Where a person conducts a matter included in a plan for management as an agricultural production infrastructure improvement project pursuant to Article 2 of the Rearrangement of Agricultural and Fishing Villages Act;
5. Where a person does an act not accompanied by felling a tree or changing the form or quality of land as part of a project performed for a forest management plan, forest conservancy and the conservation of a forest genetic resources forest reserve under the Creation and Management of Forest Resources Act;
6. Where the Mayor permits as prescribed by Rule because he/she deems that an act does not hinder the conservation of the relevant area;
7. Where the head of a related administrative agency directly orders the performance of an act or grants authorization, permission or approval (hereinafter referred to as "authorization, permission, etc.") in accordance with the law. In such cases, the head of a related administrative agency shall consult with the Mayor in advance;
8. Where the Mayor directly orders the performance of an act or grants authorization, permission, etc. in accordance with the law or another Ordinance. In such cases, he/she shall undergo deliberation of the Green Seoul Citizens' Committee before he/she performs a project or gives approval or permission of the performance of a project (or, where he/she should undergo deliberation of the Urban Planning Committee of the Seoul Metropolitan Government, before he/she undergoes such deliberation);
9. Other acts necessary for the conservation of an ecological and landscape conservation area and prescribed by Rule.
(3) No one shall do any act falling under any of the following subparagraphs in an ecological and landscape conservation area: Provided, That this shall not apply to cases where an act is required for military purposes and cases where an emergency measure is required due to a natural disaster or disaster corresponding thereto prescribed by Rule:
1. Dumping a specific substance harmful to water quality pursuant to Article 2 of the Water Quality and Ecosystem Conservation Act, wastes pursuant to Article 2 of the Wastes Control Act, or a poisonous substance pursuant to Article 2 of the Toxic Chemicals Control Act;
2. Carrying inflammables prescribed by Rule or cooking or camping in a place other than a place designated by the Mayor;
3. Destroying or moving a notice board concerning the natural environment conservation or other signs;
4. Other acts that should be prohibited for the conservation of an ecological and landscape conservation area and are prescribed by Rule.
(4) Matters necessary for deliberation of the Green Seoul Citizens' Committee under the provisions of the latter part of paragraph (2) 8 shall be prescribed by Rule.
(5) The Mayor may exhort matters necessary to prevent destruction of an ecological and landscape conservation area to the citizens.
(6) The Mayor shall notify persons who have access to an ecological and landscape conservation area of matters concerning restrictions on acts pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (3), and matters necessary therefor shall be prescribed by Rule.
(7) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1), a person may does the following acts in a buffer zone:
1. Facilities for education, publicity or research of the natural environment, such as a place of learning of nature, ecology or forest museum, arboretum, botanical garden, ecological woods, place of ecological experience, ecology research institute, etc., reflected in a plan for management of a conservation area for visit to the ecology or learning of the ecology, etc.;
2. A forest management plan, forest conservancy and a forest project preformed for the conservation and management of a forest genetic resources forest reserve, etc. under the Creation and Management of Forest Resources Act.
[This Article Wholly Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008]

Article 11 (Orders to Cease) The Mayor may order a person who violates Article 10 (1) to cease such an act or to restore damage, etc. caused by the relevant act: Provided, That where the restoration to the original state is difficult, the Mayor may order him/her to take measures corresponding thereto.
[This Article Wholly Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008]

Article 12 (Purchase of Land) Where it is necessary for the conservation of an ecosystem in an ecological and landscape conservation area, the Mayor may purchase land, etc. in the ecological and landscape conservation area in consultation with the owner of such land.

Article 13 (Conservation of Natural Landscape) The Mayor shall endeavor to conserve the natural landscape of a forest, hill, river, marsh, etc. of which ecological or scenic value is high.<Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008>

Article 14 (Examination of Impact on Natural Landscape) (1) Where the Mayor intends to grant authorization, permission, etc. on a development project, etc. falling under any of the following subparagraphs, which is not a project subject to examination of the impact on the natural landscape by a related central administrative agency pursuant to Article 28 (1) of the Act, he/she shall examine the impact of the relevant project, etc. on the natural landscape and a plan for conservation thereof, etc.: Provided, That this shall not apply to cases where such project undergoes deliberation of the Urban Planning Committee of the Seoul Metropolitan Government or the Building Committee of the Seoul Metropolitan Government:
1. A development project, etc. in an area within the distance prescribed by attached Table 1 of the Enforcement Decree of the Natural Environment Conservation Act (hereinafter referred to as the "Decree") from the boundary of a natural park area pursuant to subparagraph 1 of Article 2 of the Natural Parks Act;
2. A development project, etc. in an area within the distance prescribed by attached Table 1 of the Decree from the boundary of an ecological and landscape conservation area pursuant to Article 12 of the Act.
(2) Where a development project, etc. subject to examination of the impact on the natural landscape pursuant to paragraph (1) falls under a project subject to assessment of environmental impact pursuant to Article 4 of Seoul Metropolitan Government Ordinance on Assessment of Impacts of Works on Environment, Traffic, Disasters, the Mayor shall examine the impact on the natural landscape included in details of the assessment of environmental impact.
(3) Necessary matters concerning prior procedures and standards, etc. for examination of the impact on the natural landscape pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Rule.
[This Article Wholly Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008]

CHAPTER Ⅲ PROTECTION OF WILD ANIMALS AND PLANTS Article 15 (Designation of Protected Wild Animals or Plants) (1) A protected wild animal or plant shall be a species falling under any of the following subparagraphs, designated by the Mayor pursuant to Article 26 (1) of the Protection of Wild Fauna and Flora Act:
1. A species which is endangered or the number of individuals of which is decreasing;
2. A species the habitat of which is limited to a certain area, such as a forest, river, marsh, hilly area, etc. and which is worth protecting;
3. A species which is worth protecting scientifically or economically;
4. Other species the protection of which the Mayor deems necessary.
(2) Where a protected wild animal or plant loses its value for protection or there is no need to protect such protected animal or plant, the Mayor may cancel the protection thereof.
(3) Where the Mayor intends to designate a protected wild animal or plant pursuant to paragraph (1) or to cancel such designation thereof pursuant to paragraph (2), he/she shall collect opinions of related experts or citizens.
(4) Where the Mayor intends to designate a protected wild animal or plant pursuant to paragraph (1) or to cancel such designation thereof pursuant to paragraph (2), he/she shall announce the following matters: Provided, That in case of cancellation, matters referred to in subparagraphs 6 through 8 shall be excluded:
1. The name of a species;
2. Laws and regulations which are grounds for designation or cancellation;
3. The date of designation or cancellation;
4. Grounds for designation or cancellation;
5. The main ecological characteristics;
6. Matters concerning restrictions on acts involving protected wild animals or plants;
7. Matters concerning the imposition and collection of fines for negligence, for violating restrictions on acts referred to in subparagraph 6;
8. Matters concerning an administrative agency managing protected wild animals or plants;
9. Other matters the Mayor deems necessary.
[This Article Wholly Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008]

Article 16 (Measures for Protection of Protected Wild Animals or Plants) (1) Where the Mayor intends to designate a protected wild animal or plant, he/she shall formulate and take measures for the protection thereof, as prescribed by Rule.
(2) Where the Mayor deems it necessary for the protection of a protected wild animal or plant, he/she may exhort a reasonable utilization of land and a plan for the protection of a protected wild animal or plant to an owner, occupant or custodian of land. In such cases, the Mayor may subsidize the whole or part of expenses incurred in the implementation of matters exhorted to an owner, occupant or custodian of land within budgetary limits.
[This Article Wholly Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008]

Article 17 (Restrictions on Acts on Protected Wild Animals or Plants) (1) No one shall do any act falling under any of the following subparagraphs involving the protected wild animals or plants:
1. Capturing, gathering, pasturing, transplanting, storing, destroying or withering;
2. Setting explosives, snares, hooks, nets, or traps to capture wild animals or other things that may capture wild animals or wither wild plants, or spraying or injecting poisonous substances, agricultural chemicals, etc.
(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to cases where an act falls under any of the following subparagraphs: Provided, That where an act falls under subparagraphs 5 through 9, a person shall obtain a permit from the Mayor:
1. Where a person captures a wild animal because it is apprehended to inflict a pressing bodily injury;
2. Where a person captures a wild animal because it is urgently required to rescue or treat a wild animal in distress or injured;
3. Where a person obtains permission pursuant to Article 34 of the Cultural Heritage Protection Act:
4. Where a person has custody of a wild animal or plant after he/she has reported custody pursuant to paragraph (4);
5. Where a person intends to use a wild animal or plant for scientific research or the protection, proliferation, and rehabilitation of a protected wild animal or plant;
6. Where a person intends to use a wild animal or plant for the purpose of viewing or exhibition in biological resource conservation facilities registered pursuant to Article 35 of the Protection of Wild Fauna and Flora Act;
7. Where it is inevitable to protect a wild animal or plant by moving a protected wild animal or transplanting a protected wild plant to perform public works pursuant to Article 4 of the Act on Acquisition of and Compensation for Land, etc. for Public Works or a project approved or permitted in accordance with the provisions of Acts and subordinate statutes;
8. Where the head of a related administrative agency requests permission from the Mayor in order to diagnose, treat, or prevent a disease of humans or animals;
9. Where it is necessary to protect a protected wild animal or plant by moving a protected wild animal or transplanting a protected wild plant to prevent injury to human lives or domestic animals, or damage to the crops caused by a protected wild animal or plant.
(3) Necessary matters concerning methods of and procedures for application for a permit in accordance with the provisions of the proviso to paragraph (2) shall be prescribed by Rule.
(4) A person who has custody of a wild animal or plant at the time such a wild animal or plant is designated as a protected wild animal or plant shall report such a fact to the Mayor within six months from the date when designation of a protected wild animal or plant is announced, as prescribed by Rule.
[This Article Wholly Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008]

Article 18 (Cancellation of Permit) (1) Where a person who obtains a permit in accordance with the proviso to Article 17 (2) falls under subparagraph 1, the Mayor shall cancel such permit, and where he/she falls under subparagraphs 2 and 3, the Mayor may cancel such permit:
1. Where he/she obtains the permit by deceit or other unlawful means;
2. Where he/she violates a condition of the permit;
3. Where he/she violates this Ordinance or an order issued under this Ordinance.
(2) A person whose permit is cancelled pursuant to paragraph (1) shall return the permit to the Mayor within seven days after the permit is cancelled.
[This Article Wholly Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008]

Article 19 (Designation of Wildlife Sanctuary) (1) A wildlife sanctuary (hereinafter referred to as "sanctuary") shall be an area falling under any of the following subparagraphs and designated by the Mayor because he/she deems it necessary to protect the same:
1. An area worth protecting, such as the habitat of a rare animal or plant, etc.;
2. The habitat of a wild animal or plant, such as a flora distributed area and natural marsh area, etc. that require the special protection for reasons of local characteristics;
3. An area where a protected wild animal or plant is inhabiting collectively.
(2) Where a sanctuary loses its value as a sanctuary or there is no need to protect it due to military purposes or force majeure such as a natural disaster, etc., the Mayor may cancel or change such designation.
(3) Where the Mayor designates, changes or cancels a sanctuary in accordance with the provisions of paragraphs (1) and (2), he/she shall announce matters referred to in the following subparagraphs: Provided, That where he/she cancels a sanctuary, the provisions of subparagraphs 5 through 7 shall be excluded:
1. The location and the area of a sanctuary;
2. Laws and regulations which are grounds for designation, change or cancellation;
3. Grounds for designation, change or cancellation;
4. The date of designation, change or cancellation;
5. Matters concerning restrictions on acts in a sanctuary;
6. Matters concerning the imposition and collection of fines for negligence, for violating restrictions on acts referred to in subparagraph 5;
7. Matters concerning an administrative agency managing a sanctuary;
8. Other matters the Mayor deems necessary.
[This Article Wholly Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008]

Article 20 (Plans for Protection of Wildlife Sanctuaries) (1) The Mayor shall formulate and execute a plan for protection of a wildlife sanctuary by hearing opinions of the head of the Gu who has jurisdiction over the relevant district or related experts, etc. for the conservation of the sanctuary.
(2) The Mayor shall include matters referred to in the following subparagraphs in a plan for protection:
1. Matters concerning the protection of wild animals or plants and the promotion of biodiversity;
2. Matters concerning the observation of changes in wild animals or plants in a sanctuary;
3. Matters concerning the protection of protected wild animals or plants;
4. Other matters concerning support to residents of a sanctuary or interested persons.
[This Article Wholly Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008]

Article 21 (Restrictions on Acts in Wildlife Sanctuary) (1) No one shall do any act falling under any of the following subparagraphs in a sanctuary: Provided, That a cultural heritage (including a protected area for a cultural heritage) pursuant to Article 2 of the Cultural Heritage Protection Act shall be as prescribed by the Cultural Heritage Act:
1. Changing the structure of a river, lake, marsh, etc. or increasing or decreasing the level of water or the quantity of water;
2. Collecting or polluting soil or stones;
3. Reclaiming the surface of the water;
4. Making a fire;
5. New construction or extension (only applicable to an extension not less than double the gross building area at the time an area is designated as a sanctuary) of a building or other structure and changing the form and quality of land.
(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to cases falling under any of the following subparagraphs: Provided, That in the case of subparagraphs 1 through 3, a person who does the relevant act shall notify the Mayor in advance and hear his/her opinion, and in the case of subparagraphs 1 and 2, where it is difficult for him/her to notify in advance, he/she may notify after the fact:
1. Where an act is required for military purposes;
2. Where an emergency measure is required due to a natural disaster or disaster corresponding thereto prescribed by Rule;
3. Where a person does an act prescribed by Rule, such as an act required for the continuation of farming already conducted in a sanctuary;
4. Where a person does an act announced by the Mayor because he/she deems that it does not hinder the protection of wild animals or plants.
(3) No one shall do any act falling under any of the following subparagraphs in a sanctuary: Provided, That this shall not apply to cases where an act is required for military purposes and an emergency measure is required due to a natural disaster or disaster corresponding thereto prescribed by Rule:
1. Dumping a specific substance harmful to water quality pursuant to Article 2 of the Water Quality and Ecosystem Conservation Act, wastes pursuant to Article 2 of the Wastes Control Act or a poisonous substance pursuant to Article 2 of the Toxic Chemicals Control Act;
2. Carrying inflammables prescribed by Rule or cooking or camping in a place other than the places designated by the Mayor;
3. Destroying or moving a notice board concerning the protection of wild animals or plants or other signs without permission;
4. Other acts that should be prohibited for the protection of wild animals or plants and is prescribed by Rule.
[This Article Wholly Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008]

Article 22 (Restrictions on Access) (1) Where the Mayor deems it necessary for the protection of wild animals or plants, he/she may restrict or prohibit access to all or part of a sanctuary for a certain period: Provided, That this shall not apply to cases where a person has access to a sanctuary for an act falling under any of the following subparagraphs:
1. Scientific researches recognized by the Mayor;
2. An act for the protection of wild animals or plants recognized by the Mayor;
3. An act falling under Article 29 (1) 1 through 3 and 5 of the Protection of Wild Fauna and Flora Act;
4. An act prescribed by Rule, such as an act required for the continuation of farming already conducted in a sanctuary;
5. Other acts for which the Mayor permits access because he/she deems them necessary.
(2) Where the Mayor intends to restrict or prohibit access pursuant to paragraph (1), he/she shall announce the following matters:
1. The location and the area of an area;
2. Laws and regulations which are grounds for the restriction on access;
3. Grounds for and the period of restriction on or prohibition of access;
4. Matters concerning the imposition and collection of fines for negligence, for violating restrictions on access;
5. Matters concerning an administrative agency managing restrictions on access;
6. Means of access and other matters the Mayor deems necessary.
(3) Where grounds for restricting or prohibiting access pursuant to paragraph (1) no longer exist, the Mayor shall release such restrictions on or prohibition of access and announce such a fact.
(4) Necessary matters concerning methods of and procedures for application for permission pursuant to paragraph (1) 5 shall be prescribed by Rule.
[This Article Wholly Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008]

Article 23 (Order to Cease) The Mayor may order a person who violates the provisions of Article 21 (1) to cease such act or to restore damage, etc. caused by the relevant act: Provided, That where the restoration to the original state is difficult, the Mayor may order him/her to take measures corresponding thereto. <Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008>

Article 24 (Purchase of Land) (1) Where the Mayor deems it necessary for the protection of wild animals or plants in a sanctuary, he/she may purchase land, etc. in a sanctuary in consultation with the owner thereof.
(2) The purchase price of land, etc. pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be the price calculated in accordance with the Act on Acquisition of and Compensation for Land, etc. for Public Works.
[This Article Wholly Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008]

Article 25 (Protection of Migratory Bird Sanctuaries and Habitats of Wild Animals or Plants) (1) The Mayor may designate a collective habitat for migratory birds, the special protection of which he/she deems necessary, among the habitats for migratory birds as a migratory bird sanctuary and take necessary measures.
(2) Where the Mayor intends to designate pursuant to paragraph (1), he/she shall announce such designation by applying the provisions of Article 19 (3) mutatis mutanis. <Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008>
(3) The Mayor may take necessary measures for the conservation of the main habitats, the special protection of which he/she deems necessary, among the habitats of wild animals or plants which are not a sanctuary. <Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008>
(4) The Mayor may investigate the actual conditions of the main habitats of wild animals or plants, and where he/she deems it necessary, he/she may entrust investigations of the actual conditions to a specialized institution, organization, etc. In such cases, the Mayor may subsidize expenses incurred therein within budgetary limits. <Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008>
(5) For the efficient protection and management of the main habitats of wild animals or plants, the Mayor may have residents living in the neighborhood participate in the protection activities.

CHAPTER Ⅳ MANAGEMENT AND UTILIZATION OF INFORMATION ON NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Article 26 (Natural Environment Investigation) (1) The Mayor shall conduct a comprehensive natural environment investigation every ten years for the efficient management of natural assets pursuant to Article 30 (3) of the Act, and may conduct a natural environment investigation every five years for the main forests, rivers and other necessary areas.
(2) Necessary matters concerning details, methods, etc. of natural environment investigation pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Rule.
(3) The Mayor may request the head of a Gu or the head of a related agency to cooperate in matters referred to in the following subparagraphs for the smooth investigation of the natural environment:
1. Access to an access-restricted area under his/her jurisdiction;
2. Reading or lending of materials related to investigation;
3. Other matters necessary for the relevant investigation.
[This Article Wholly Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008]

Article 27 (Close or Supplementary Investigation and Observation of Changes in Ecosystem) (1) Where the Mayor deems it necessary as a result of investigation of the natural environment pursuant to Article 26, he/she may conduct a close or supplementary investigation and observation of changes in an ecosystem pursuant to Article 31 (4) of the Act.
(2) Necessary matters concerning investigation and observation pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Rule.
(3) For an investigation of the natural environment pursuant to Article 26 and close or supplementary investigation pursuant to paragraph (1), an owner, occupant or custodian of land to which a person has access pursuant to Article 33 (4) of the Act shall not refuse, interfere with or evade an investigation without justifiable grounds.
[This Article Wholly Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008]

Article 28 (Natural Environment Investigators) (1) A natural environment investigator pursuant to Article 32 of the Act shall be a person who is appointed or commissioned by the Mayor from among the related public officials and those who have expert knowledge of and broad experience in a field related to investigation of the natural environment.
(2) Where a natural environment investigator conducts an investigation pursuant to Articles 26 and 27, the Mayor may subsidize expenses incurred in the conduct of investigation within budgetary limits: Provided, That this shall not apply to cases where a public official conducts an investigation in direct connection with his/her duties.
(3) Other necessary matters concerning the appointment, etc. of a natural environment investigator shall be prescribed by Rule.
[This Article Wholly Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008]

Article 29 (Preparation of Map of Ecology and Nature) (1) The Mayor may prepare a map of the ecology and nature of Seoul Metropolitan City (hereinafter referred to as "map of the ecology and nature") by making use of related materials, such as the results of investigation and the present status of the utilization of land pursuant to Articles 26 and 27, so that it may be utilized for the formulation and execution of various development projects, etc.
(2) Where the Mayor prepares a map of the ecology and nature pursuant to paragraph (1), he/she shall prepare it according to grade classification standards referred to in Article 34 (1) 1 through 4 of the Act and indicate it with a solid line in a map drawn to a scale of not less than 1 to 25,000.
(3) Where the Mayor has prepared a map of the ecology and nature in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (2), he/she shall collect opinions of the citizens and determine and announce it in consultation with a related agency.
[This Article Wholly Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008]

Article 30 (Systematic Management of Information on Natural Environment) The Mayor shall manage systematically the results of investigation of the natural environment, the present status of designation of the protected wild animals or plants and the ecological and landscape conservation areas, details of preparation of a map of the ecology and nature, and other information related to the natural environment for the reasonable management and utilization of information on the natural environment.

CHAPTER Ⅴ MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL ASSETS Article 31 (Designation and Management of Natural Resting Area) (1) Where the Mayor designates a natural resting area pursuant to Article 39 of the Act, he/she shall formulate and execute a plan so that the citizens may utilize a natural resting area healthily, while conserving a natural ecosystem therein.
(2) Where the Mayor formulates a plan for management of a natural resting area pursuant to Article 34 (1) of the Decree, he/she shall include matters referred to in the following subparagraphs in addition to matters referred to in Article 34 (1) 1 through 5 of the Decree in the plan for management of a natural resting area:
1. Matters concerning the management and operation of facilities for the natural environment conservation and utilization of the Metropolitan Government pursuant to Article 38 of the Act;
2. Matters concerning the protection of main landscapes worth conserving;
3. Matters concerning safety measures for visitors;
4. Matters concerning a plan for regularly observing changes in the natural environment;
5. Other matters the Mayor deems necessary for the conservation and healthy utilization of a natural resting area.
[This Article Wholly Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008]

Article 32 (Maintenance of Natural River) (1) An agency which manages a river under the River Act or small river under the Small River Maintenance Act (hereinafter referred to as "river") shall maintain a river in consideration of the natural characteristics of the river to the extent this does not hinder the utilization of water and the regulation of water, and create natural landscape and environment suitable for the inhabitation of wild animals or plants and as a resting area of the citizens.
(2) An agency managing a river shall endeavor to restore even a river artificially treated with covering and construction of artificial structures, etc. to a natural river.
[This Article Wholly Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008]

Article 33 (Restoration of Natural Ecosystem) (1) The Mayor shall investigate an area which requires the restoration of a natural ecosystem from among ecological and landscape conservation areas, sanctuaries, migratory bird sanctuaries, etc. and green belts or rivers rich in biodiversity because it falls under any of the following subparagraphs, and endeavor to restore it:
1. An area of which ecosystem has been destroyed by development, such as opening of a road, etc.;
2. An area the ecosystem of which has been disturbed due to the propagation of foreign animals or plants;
3. An area which is destroyed suddenly due to excessive visits by the citizens;
4. An area the ecosystem of which has been destroyed by a natural disaster.
(2) The Mayor shall investigate and analyze causes of the destruction of areas the preferential restoration of which he/she deems necessary as a result of investigations in areas the ecosystems of which have been destroyed pursuant to paragraph (1), and formulate and execute a plan for restoration by area.
[This Article Wholly Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008]

Article 34 (Creation of Ecological City) (1) The Mayor shall endeavor to create an ecological city by the formulation and execution of a necessary plan, such as securing of an ecological axis, ecological passage, etc., to improve the ecological healthiness of Seoul Metropolitan City.
(2) The Mayor shall select an eco-friendly excellent Gu, residential complex, building, etc. by way of showing an example in consideration of water and energy conservation, recycling of resources, securing of greenbelts, etc., and endeavor to expand such eco-friendly Gus, residential complexes, buildings, etc.
(3) A person who intends to formulate and execute various development projects, etc., such as a road, building, etc., shall fully examine a plan for the creation of an ecological passage or small ecosystem.
[This Article Wholly Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008]

CHAPTER Ⅵ CITIZENS' PARTICIPATION Article 35 (Protection and Management of Natural Environment by Citizens) (1) To protect ecosystems of mountains, rivers, and ecological and landscape conservation areas proactively, the Mayor may designate a corporation, organization or agency under his/her control, etc. that is deemed to have the management capacity, and have it protect and manage such ecosystems.
(2) Matters necessary for the execution thereof, such as methods of and procedures for designation pursuant to paragraph (1), shall be prescribed by Rule.
[This Article Wholly Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008]

Article 36 (Support to Natural Environment Conservation Organizations) (1) To promote private citizens' proactive participation in the natural environment conservation, the Mayor may give necessary support to private natural environment conservation organizations conducting activities falling under any of the following subparagraphs:
1. The protection of protected wild animals or plants;
2. The natural environment conservation and the conservation of natural assets.
(2) Where the Mayor subsidizes expenses incurred in such activities pursuant to paragraph (1), the provisions of Seoul Metropolitan Government Ordinance on the Management of Subsidies shall apply to matters concerning procedures for such support, post management, etc.
[This Article Wholly Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008]

Article 37 (Education and Publicity of Natural Environment Conservation) (1) The Mayor shall endeavor to produce and distribute materials concerning the natural environment conservation and to revitalize activities, such as education, publicity, etc., in cooperation with Gus, educational institutions, natural environment conservation organizations and other related institutions.
(2) The Mayor may conduct education to the natural environment guides pursuant to Article 59 of the Act, or establish and operate a course of study necessary for training them systematically.
[This Article Wholly Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008]

CHAPTER Ⅶ SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS Article 38 (Delegation of authority) The Mayor shall delegate his/her authority concerning the following matters to the head of the competent Gu: Provided, That he/she shall delegate his/her authority concerning the ecological and landscape conservation areas, sanctuaries and migratory bird sanctuaries under the jurisdiction of the Hangang Management Headquarters of the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Central Green City Management Office of the Seoul Metropolitan Government to the Director General of Hangang Management Headquarters and the head of Central Green City Management Office respectively: <Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008; Ordinance No. 4817, Jul. 30, 2009>
1. Matters concerning the guidance and control of violations of restrictions on acts and restrictions on access pursuant to pursuant to Articles 10 (1), (3), (6), 17 (1), 21 (1), (3) and 22;<Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008>
2. Matters concerning orders to cease an act, to restore to the original state and to take measures corresponding thereto pursuant to Articles 11 and 23; <Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008>
3. Matters concerning purchase of land, etc. pursuant to Articles 12 and 24; <Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008>
4. Matters prescribed in a plan for management, plan for protection, etc. pursuant to Articles 9, 20 and 25, such as cleaning and removal of harmful animals or plants from ecological and landscape conservation areas, sanctuaries and migratory bird sanctuaries; <Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008>
5. Matters concerning the imposition and collection of fines for negligence pursuant to Article 39. <Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008>

Article 39 (Imposition and Collection of Fines for Negligence) (1) A person who falls under any of the following subparagraphs shall be punished by a fine for negligence of not more than two million won:
1. A person who violates restrictions on acts pursuant to Article 10 (1) and 21 (1); <Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008>
2. A person who fails to obey an order to cease an act, to restore to the original state or to take measures corresponding thereto pursuant to Articles 11 and 23; <Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008>
3. A person who violates a restriction on acts pursuant to Article 17 (1); <Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008>
(2) A person who falls under any of the following subparagraphs shall be punished by a fine for negligence of not more than 500,000 won:
1. A person who violates a restriction on acts pursuant to Articles 10 (3) and 21 (3); <Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008>
2. A person who fails to report the custody pursuant to Article 17 (4); <Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008>
3. A person who fails to return a permit pursuant to Article 18 (2); <Amended on Sep. 30, 2008>
4. A person who violates a restriction on or prohibition of access pursuant to Article 22 (1); <Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008>
5. A person who refuses, interferes with, or evades an investigation, in violation of the provisions of Article 27 (3).
(3) The amounts of fines for negligence pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be prescribed by Rule in consideration of the motive of an offense and the result thereof, etc. <Amended by Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008>
(4) In translation

ADDENDA <Ordinance No. 4461, Jan. 2, 2007>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Ordinance shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 (Transitional Measures concerning Administrative Disposition)
(1) Announcements, administrative dispositions and other acts of an administrative agency and applications, reports and other acts in relation to an administrative agency in accordance with the previous provisions at the time this Ordinance enters into force shall be deemed acts of an administrative agency or acts in relation to an administrative agency in accordance with the amended provisions of this Ordinance.
(2) The previous provisions shall apply to administrative disposition for which procedures are in progress at the time this Ordinance enters into force.
Article 3 (Transitional Measures concerning Ecosystem Conservation Areas and Managed wild Animals or Plants)
An ecosystem conservation area and managed wild animal or plant designated and announced in accordance with the previous provisions at the time this Ordinance enters into force shall be deemed to have been designated and announced as a core ecological and landscape conservation zone and protected wild animal or plant in accordance with the amended provisions of Articles 7 and 15 respectively.
Article 4 (Transitional Measures concerning Plan for Management of Ecosystem Conservation Areas and Measures for Management of Managed Wild Animals or Plants)
A plan for management of ecosystem conservation areas and measures for management of managed wild animals or plants formulated in accordance with the previous provisions at the time this Ordinance enters into force shall be deemed to have been formulated as a plan for management of ecological and landscape conservation areas and measures for protection of protected wild animals or plants in accordance with the amended provisions of Articles 9 and 16 respectively.
Article 5 (Transitional Measures concerning Migratory Bird Sanctuaries)
Where an area is designated as a migratory bird sanctuary before this Ordinance enters into force, such area shall be deemed to have been designated in accordance with the amended provisions of Article 25 (1) and shall be announced in accordance with the amended provisions of paragraph (2) of the same Article within three months after this Ordinance enters into force.
Article 6 (Transitional Measures concerning Urban Planning Infrastructure Project in Ecosystem Conservation Area)
An urban planning infrastructure project which has undergone deliberation of the Urban Planning Committee of the Seoul Metropolitan Government shall be deemed to have undergone deliberation of the Environment Conservation Consultation Committee in accordance with the amended provisions of the latter part of Article 10 (2) 8.
Article 7 (Transitional Measurers concerning Delegation of Authority)
The business conducted by the head of the competent Gu, the head of Hangang Citizens' Park Management Office and the head of Namsan Park Management Office, as the business delegated in accordance with the amended provisions of the subparagraphs of Article 38, before this Ordinance enters into force shall be deemed the business over which the Mayor has exercised his/her authority in accordance with the amended provisions of the same Article.
Article 8 (Transitional Measures concerning Standards for Imposition of Fines for Negligence)
Fines for negligence shall be imposed in accordance with the previous provisions before standards for imposition of fines for negligence are enacted by rule in accordance with the amended provisions of Article 39.
ADDENDA <Ordinance No. 4480 Mar. 8, 2007>
(1) (Enforcement Date)
This Ordinance shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
(2) Omitted.
ADDENDUM <Ordinance No. 4693, Sep. 30, 2008>
This Ordinance shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.