The 21st FAO Asian Pacific Forest Committee(APFC) was held at the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education in Derahdun, India from April 15 to 21.






Illegal logging and trade are rampant so the regional network in Asian and Pacific should establish its partnership with a view to fair trade and Sustainable Forest Management(SFM). The aim of APFC was mainly to develop strategies for enhancing the network, discuss measures to mobilize funds for SFM. National Forest Plans(NEPs) for SFM is considered important and the support of FAO is also needed in cooperation with member countries to this end. The main issues were Codes of Practice, Payment for Environment Service(PES), the roles of Asian and Pacific network and funding for SFM.






In Particular at the workshop on Asian Pacific Forest Invasive Species Network (APFISN) five strategies for establishing the network were set up ; compiling national reports, raising international awareness of invasive species, building capacity, providing information and databases and developing the structure of the network.






At the 21st APFC, Korea delegation submitted a national report on our efforts in implementing SFM and protecting pine wilt disease and suggested that member countries should do joint research in technical appraisal of damage caused by pine wilt disease. Korea delegation also reaffirmed that APFISN will play a significant role in protecting invasive species and was offered to hold an international symposium on forest invasive species, which would be a good opportunity to gain international concerns and support. The Korea Forest Service is planing to host the international symposium early next year.






The Korea Forest Service will continue to cooperate with APFC for SFM.








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