Current status of Korea Long-Term Ecological Research (KLTER) Network activities compared with the framework activities of the Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) Networks of the United States and China

Since the initiation of national Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) Network activities in the US and China from 1980 and 1988, respectively, and that of the International LTER (ILTER) Network activities from 1993, there are currently more than 40 national/territorial LTER networks developed globally. The developmental stage of each national/territorial LTER network can be evaluated as a fully active network, a consolidating network, or an inactive network. In order for the Korea LTER Network to be promoted from a consolidating network to a fully active network, the categories and criteria for evaluating the stage of the Networks were suggested by stage, current status was evaluated, and further directions were suggested for each category. In this review, the developmental histories of the fully active LTER networks of the US and China were reviewed, and best practices were introduced. In order for the Korea LTER Network to be promoted from a consolidating network to a fully active network, the criteria to be further promoted include: establishing bylaws and organizational entities specified in the bylaws; making strategic plans in science, monitoring, and research; and finding the core mechanism to serve societies in education and outreach. The highest priority is to develop a strategic plan to promote the Korea LTER Network.