2.3 Framework and Use of GGIs in Korea
A framework of GGIs is based on the policy structure and targets which were derived from a 5-Year
Action Plan, which was prepared in 2009 according to the National Green Growth Strategy. This GG
strategy consists of 3 categorized strategies with 10 policy directions and 50 action assignments.
Korean GGIs have been designed so that categories and groups are in line with this green growth
policy structure, because GGIs are aimed to check and assess outcomes and results of 50 concrete
green growth policies.
In practice, 30 core indicators were selected according to criteria of these indicators: policy relevance,
analytical soundness, and data availability. For example, some indicators were selected because the
policy relevance is high. In addition, alternative indicators were reviewed as representative indicators
which could check and manage a group of concrete policies. As a result, Green Growth Indicators in
Korea have 3 categories and 10 groups of indicators, which are corresponding to the action plan of
green growth strategy. Of course, each indicator has been compiled from nation-wide economic,
social and environmental statistics.
A framework of GGIs assists with the linkage of statistical indicators to the corresponding policies.
Some good indicators are utilized for determining the target value of the future of corresponding
green policies. For example, the target value on total emissions of greenhouse gases was decided to be
about 670 million equivalent tons of CO2 in 2020. Of course, if data on indicators are not available in
time, data gaps are identified between GGIs and green policies. Required statistics should be
developed and compiled in the future.
Anyway, why is the indicator set on Green Growth (GGIs) compiled? Why are GGIs needed just now?
There are three reasons. The first reason is to monitor the level of progress toward Green Growth in
Korea, which is similar to OECD member countries. The second reason is to evaluate the performance
of Green Growth policies and feedback so that concrete green policies may be improved or revised.
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The third reason is to make polices which can promote Green Growth activities. For example,
alternative green policies could be prepared if the performance of the specific green growth policy has
not been improved all.