The Korea Forest Service (KFS) held a seminar at the National Assembly Library’s auditorium on Thursday, focusing on Policy Directions for Forest Cooperation on the Korean Peninsula. Experts discussed effective strategies for inter-Korean forest collaboration.
The seminar aimed to highlight inter-Korean forest cooperation as a practical avenue for peaceful coexistence and mutual prosperity on the Korean Peninsula. Experts from the National Assembly, relevant government agencies, and academia engaged in substantive discussions.
KFS are viewed as a critical foundation for shared prosperity on the Korean Peninsula, contributing to ecosystem restoration, joint climate change mitigation, and regional economic cooperation. Participants proposed concrete strategies to maintain sustainable cooperation despite uncertain relations between North and South Korea.
Dr. Park So-young, a researcher at the National Institute of Forest Science, presented an analysis of North Korea’s forest restoration efforts and stressed the importance of developing tailored cooperation models based on these findings.
Dr. Lee Hyung-jin from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information suggested potential avenues for mutually beneficial forest science and technology cooperation, focusing on disaster response and climate crisis management.
Dr. Choi Eun-joo, a research fellow at the Sejong Institute, urged the identification of cooperation initiatives that could boost regional economic revitalization, aligning with North Korea’s Local Development 20×10 Policy.
Dr. Jo Seong-taek, director at the Gyeonggi Research Institute, shared insights on inter-Korean exchanges in Gyeonggi Province and proposed systematic cooperation frameworks between central and local governments.
Nam Song-hee, the international forest cooperation officer at the Korea Forest Service, stated that it will develop specific, feasible cooperation projects in areas such as forest restoration and disaster management, taking into account the evolving inter-Korean dynamics and policy landscape. It will work closely with relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Unification, to advance inter-Korean forest cooperation initiatives.