Korea Forest Service has growing expectations for world congress

Environment

Published: 28 Apr. 2022, 12:39 Updated: 28 Apr. 2022, 14:54

Korea Forest Service has growing expectations for world congress

Korea Forest Service Minister Choi Byeong-am [KOREA FOREST SERVICE]

When Choi Byeong-am was appointed minister of the Korea Forest Service (KFS) in early 2021, it was an unstable time for the government agency he had dedicated his life to for nearly three decades.

Just weeks before, the KFS had announced it was postponing what was supposed to be the world’s largest gathering in the forestry sector, the 15th World Forestry Congress (WFC).

In the approximately 100-year history of the Congress, it was Korea’s first time being chosen as host country. The last time the Congress was convened in the Asia-Pacific region was 44 years ago in Indonesia.

But the Covid-19 pandemic wasn’t letting up, and as with many other international conferences, the WFC had to be postponed.

Now, less than a week before that delayed Congress finally kicks off on Monday at Coex in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, Choi told the Korea JoongAng Daily in a recent e-mail interview that he’s confident many people from across the world will show up to discuss the most urgent issues facing our forests and natural environments.

The extra year he was given to prepare for the Congress, he said, has enabled his colleagues at the KFS to meticulously plan out contingency plans and pool all their efforts to invite crucial voices of our time.

The following are edited excerpts of the interview.

What exactly is the WFC and why is it being held?

The WFC is the largest and most significant gathering of members of the world’s forestry sector, and it is held every six years. The Congress is a forum for exchanging views and experiences on all aspects of forestry and the environment, including climate change and biodiversity. The Congress can help identify actions to solve pending issues.

Why is the theme of this year’s Congress “Building a Green, Healthy, and Resilient Future with Forests”?

It’s meant to call on the world’s forestry community to make efforts to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and play an important role to find ways to overcome Covid-19. This year’s Congress will be an ideal platform for the global forest community to gather, exchange experiences and ideas surrounding all aspects of forests, and devise recommendations applicable at the national, regional and global levels. The theme is also meant to recognize the importance of forests in promoting the health of the earth and humankind, in the sense that forests can be considered essential elements in discussions and decisions to make the future sustainable.

It’s the first time the Congress is being held in Korea. How are preparations coming along?

There were many difficulties due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It was very challenging securing participants, which is the most important factor and will determine the success [or failure] of the Congress. To prevent foreign entrants from becoming infected with the coronavirus, the KFS has consulted relevant authorities and prepared a case-by-case quarantine manual. So far, we have secured over 6,600 registrants from forestry-related institutions, groups and local governments.

Who are some high-level guests?

United Nations Secretary General António Guterres and other leaders of various international organizations, including the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Global Environment Facility (GEF) and International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) will play a major role and participate in the Congress in various forms. Other attendees include the prime minister of Barbados, officials from forest-related ministries of over 40 countries, and representatives of civil society organizations, academia, lumber companies, IKEA as well as indigenous and youth communities.

So the Congress will be held in a hybrid model of both virtual and face-to-face?

Since it is difficult for foreign participants to enter Korea, the upcoming 15th WFC will be a mixed online and offline event like other international conferences. But in light of the fact that a large number of participants will be joining in person, we plan to proceed in a field-oriented hybrid form.

As the host country, what lessons can Korea offer to other countries on forest restoration?

In the 1970s, Korea accomplished reforestation through people’s voluntary efforts and the government’s policy support. The destruction of forests brought about avalanches, floods and other disasters, and reforestation efforts began when people began to notice the importance of our forests. The government also supported this movement through various policies. For instance, by implementing the tree management system, the government started to analyze the survival rate of trees in many regions. Illegal logging was prohibited and public officials with the highest planting rates were granted promotions and incentives. The Korean government began to make a better environment for tree growth by introducing eco-friendly policies.

How difficult is it to recover a deforested patch of land?

Reforestation can never be accomplished by simply planting a lot of trees. We must also take care of them until they are fully grown. Korea has led successful reforestation efforts thanks to the government’s implementation of various policies to protect our forests. Before 1970, trees were Korea’s main natural resource. To endure harsh winters, we had to cut them down and use the wood for fire. However, in 1970, the government began to develop coal mines to provide coal to households. As a result, we were able to minimize the use of firewood and prevent the mass cutting down of trees in the mountains. Furthermore, to prevent slash-and-burn agriculture [a farming method that involves cutting down and burning the vegetation in a forest or woodland to plant crops], the government provided new settlements and jobs to farmers, which also played a major role in preventing deforestation.

Has Korea shared such know-how with other countries?

Korea’s successful forest restoration story is recognized worldwide. As a result, many researchers and policymakers express hope to visit Korea to see the sites and ask about our reforestation techniques. Previously, the KFS shared some forest restoration know-how with Mongolia and China, helping to prevent deforestation in those countries. The agency is currently handing down forest restoration techniques to Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar and other Southeast Asian nations, as well as countries in Central Asia, South America and Africa. In the future, the KFS plans to distribute its superior forest management policy worldwide and strives to be a leading country in advanced world forestry issues.

What advice do you have on protecting forests?

According to forest value data analyzed by the KFS, the public value of Korean forests amounts to about 221 trillion won [$174 billion] per year. In other words, each citizen receives an annual benefit of 4.28 million won. Forests absorb and store carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen into the air. They also beautify landscapes and help prevent natural disasters like landslides and floods. Many people enjoy forests as a place to relax their minds and bodies. Forests are so precious and I hope everyone plays a role in protecting them. On a separate note, I would like to strongly advise people not to carry anything that could start a fire when they are visiting a forest, such as a lighter or match, and not to illegally clear forest lands or engage in illegal logging.

BY LEE SUNG-EUN [lee.sungeun@joongang.co.kr]