Holding a seminar of the Forest Policy Evaluation Committee for International Forest Cooperation to discuss ways to advance forest cooperation projects and ODA policies


The Korea Forest Service (KFS), led by Minister PARK Eunsik, held a seminar of the Forest Policy Evaluation Committee for International Forest Cooperation at Surak-Hyu Recreation Forest in Nowon-gu, Seoul, and discussed policy directions for international forest cooperation and ways to advance relevant projects in line with pragmatic diplomacy focused on national interests on September 11.

The meeting was attended by members of the Forest Policy Evaluation Committee for International Forest Cooperation, including experts in international politics and public administration, forestry and environment, climate change, and international development cooperation*, as well as KFS officials. Participants shared major international forest cooperation policies and achievements made during the first half of the year and exchanged views on future policy directions in response to changing international affairs and the international development cooperation environment.
* 13th Forest Policy Evaluation Committee (International Forest Cooperation): Professor Roh Dong-woon, Graduate School of International Studies, Hanyang University; Professor Jeong Heon-joo, Department of Public Administration, Yonsei University; Professor Park Jeong-ho, Department of Public Administration, Sangmyung University; Professor Lim Cheol-hee, Department of Forest and Environmental Systems, Kookmin University

The committee members suggested that Korea needs to identify strategic cooperation projects that can achieve both national interests and international contributions by leveraging Korea's experience in forest restoration and strengths in forest policy and technology, while linking national-level policies with forest cooperation.

They also emphasized the need to enhance the effectiveness of ODA in the forestry sector in response to recent changes in ODA budget and the international development cooperation environment, and to strengthen the framework for identifying and implementing projects that link country- and region-specific cooperation needs with Korea's strengths.

Based on the policy recommendations proposed by the experts at the meeting, KFS plans to enhance the effectiveness of international forest cooperation projects, strengthen their links with diplomatic and ODA policies, and actively identify practical cooperation projects that leverage Korea's strengths in the forestry sector.

Meanwhile, participants also experienced forest culture at Surak-Hyu Recreation Forest, including a forest interpretation program and a tour of the facilities. They gained a better understanding of forest policy implementation on the ground and exchanged views on linking field activities with policy.

Hyunju Lee, Acting Director General for International Affairs Bureau at KFS, said, “International forest cooperation is an important policy tool for enhancing national interests in various areas, including diplomacy, climate, and development cooperation, beyond sharing Korea's forest policy experience and expertise with the international community.” She added, “We will continue to advance policies so that international forest cooperation policies and projects, including ODA, can contribute to national-level diplomatic and development cooperation goals.”