The Korea Forest Service (KFS) announced on January 24 its commitment to strengthening Official Development Assistance (ODA) in Latin America and the Caribbean. By leveraging Korea's advanced forest restoration technology, the initiatives will focus on countries such as Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Guyana.

Forestry cooperation in Central American nations?Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala, located within the Dry Corridor?centers on restoring degraded forests and establishing agroforestry systems with the aim of improving local livelihoods.

Honduras marked the first Latin American country where the KFS launched its ODA projects. Since 2023, the KFS has been implementing agroforestry and forest landscape restoration projects. This year, Korea will fully initiate the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) project in Honduras, targeting significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

In El Salvador, the focus includes creating fire-resistant forests to combat wildfires and forest degradation, alongside agroforestry projects along the Lempa River. The partnership also enhances forest fire suppression capabilities by providing firefighting equipment and training.

In Guatemala, forests are vital to the livelihoods of indigenous communities. The KFS is establishing a sustainable forestry system that includes nurseries and forest restoration efforts. Capacity-building programs for public and private stakeholders are also being conducted to strengthen forest resource management.

Meanwhile, in Guyana, a mangrove forest restoration project is underway, covering approximately 120 hectares in partnership with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI). This project seeks to restore mangrove ecosystems to address the climate crisis and prevent coastal erosion.

The restoration of mangrove forests in Guyana is expected to mitigate the risk of tsunamis along the Mahaica coast, enhance biodiversity, and support the livelihoods of local communities reliant on fisheries and agriculture. The project also aims to reduce an estimated 1.12 million tons of carbon emissions over the next 25 years. This contribution is anticipated to significantly support Korea's commitment to reducing overseas carbon emissions and acquiring carbon credits.

Dr. NAM Song Hee, Director General of the International Affairs Bureau of the KFS, stated, “Forests are increasingly recognized as a crucial asset in adapting to the climate crisis. Korea will leverage advanced forestry technologies and cooperate with Latin American and Caribbean countries to address climate challenges while achieving its greenhouse gas reduction targets.”