Korea-Mongolia Greenbelt Plantation Project
The Korea-Mongolia Greenbelt Plantation Project was implemented by the Korea Forest Service of the Republic of Korea and the Ministry of Environment and Tourism of Mongolia from 2007 to 2016. The objective of the Project was to combat desertification and mitigate the impact of sand and dust storms in Mongolia. The Project was carried out in Lun Soum, Dalanzadgad and Bayanzag.
Including 1,430 ha of the Saxaul restoration project, about 3,000 ha of land was planted with trees as of 2016. As part of the plantation efforts, three nurseries were managed in the project sites. The Education Center for Afforestation Technique was also established to provide training programs for the experts. As of 2016, about 5,000 experts participated in the programs. On the other hand, officials from the Mongolian governments were invited to Korea for technology exchange. About 200 officials and experts were invited until 2016.
The Project was followed by a renewed MOU between the Korea Forest Service and the Ministry of Environment and Tourism of Mongolia on Cooperation in Combating Desertification and Dust/Sandstorms signed on 17 July 2016. The MOU was signed to implement a follow-up project of the previous Project and to establish urban forests for the residents of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
In November 2016, the KFS and the MET, through the Steering Committee Meeting, agreed upon a Record of Discussion on the Transfer of the Korea-Mongolia Greenbelt Plantation and the Follow-up Project. It contains specific objectives and the undertakings of both institutions in implementing the Project.
This will help two countries build even closer cooperation on mitigating the impact of sand and dust storms and desertification.