KFS promotes outstanding domestic forest policies and supports diverse field experiences

On June 30, the Korea Forest Service (KFS), led by Minister LIM Sang-seop, announced that it will co-host the 2025 Asia Pacific Regional Meeting with the International Forestry Students’ Association (IFSA), chaired by Organizing Committee Chair Choi Seo-hyun. The event will take place over the course of one week, from June 30 to July 5.

Now in its 17th year, the Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting for university forestry students is being held in Korea for the first time in six years. This year, 64 forestry students from nine countries are participating. These include students from six Korean universities as well as participants from Taiwan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, North Macedonia, Chile, and Mexico.
* The International Forestry Students’ Association (IFSA) is a voluntary association formed by forestry students from around the world. It aims to foster future leaders in the forestry sector through international exchange. The Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting is held annually and rotates among member countries to strengthen regional networks.

This year’s event is being held under the slogan "Empower youth, Build a sustainable tomorrow: Dive into Green cooperation!" The message emphasizes the vital role of younger generations in addressing climate change and promoting carbon neutrality through forestry.

At the opening ceremony on June 30 at Kookmin University, Director General NAM Song Hee of the KFS and Student Affairs Director Kim Hyun-jin of Kookmin University attended and highlighted the importance of forests in responding to climate change. They encouraged students to take the lead in enhancing the value of forests.

Throughout the remainder of the program, participants will visit key forestry institutions including the National Institute of Forest Science (NIFoS), the Baekdudaegan National Arboretum, and the Korea National Arboretum (KNA). They will also attend lectures by Korean forestry experts on topics such as sustainable circular forest management models and Korea’s forest restoration efforts.

Director General NAM Song Hee stated, "Sustainable forest management is a crucial task that will secure humanity’s future against threats like the climate crisis, ecological degradation, and food insecurity." She added, "I hope this becomes an opportunity for participants to learn about Korea’s forest policies and on-site practices, and to gain insights into the importance of sustainable forest management."