[INTERVIEW] Korea seeks to take initiative in preventing deforestation

Korea Forest Service Minister Choi Byeong-am speaks during an interview with The Korea Times at the organization's headquarters in Daejeon, April 25. Courtesy of Korea Forest Service

Officials from 144 countries to attend World Forestry Congress 2022 in Seoul

By Lee Kyung-min

Korea will lead the global initiative in preventing deforestation by 2030, an agenda that will take center stage at the 15th World Forestry Congress to be held this week in Seoul, according to the country's top forestry policymaker.

The extremely challenging yet tangible goal requires action- and commitment-oriented leadership, anchored by extensive experience in forestry development, a responsibility Korea is happy and confident to undertake, Korea Forest Service (KFS) Minister Choi Byeong-am said in an interview with The Korea Times at KFS headquarters in Daejeon, April 25.

Korea's role, he said, will not be limited to mediating the varying interests of countries around the world, but will instead be about elevating the discussion to build a global consensus on the need to outline and uphold long-term, sustainable development goals.

Few consider environmental issues an immediate, high-stake priority, he acknowledged. However, the consequences of neglecting the importance of the green drive will be immense, a reason why the often-underappreciated noble efforts of forestry experts around the world have been and will continue to be vital and relevant, in his view.

The five-day event will be held from May 2 to 6 at COEX in southern Seoul. The theme of the 15th World Forestry Congress will be "Building a Green, Healthy and Resilient Future with Forests" and the events will be held in four languages ― English, French, Spanish and Korean. Korea is the third country in Asia to hold the international event, which is held every six years.

A screen in New York's Times Square promotes the 15th World Forestry Congress to be held in Seoul from May 2 to 6. Courtesy of Korea Forest Service

Korea model for global peers

"Korea has long been recognized as a global leader in forestry policymaking, planning and development, underpinned by the country's success in forestry management from within the country and abroad over the past few decades," Choi said during the interview.

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Lester Brown, a U.S. environmental analyst, cited Korea's reforestation as a global model in his book "Plan B 4.0: Mobilizing to Save Civilization," an example of how Korea's forestry policy has become a success story for the world, according to Choi.

"Korea is best known in the world for rapid economic growth, including rapid forestation over the past few decades, an achievement recognized by the international organizations," he said.

Data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations showed Korea's forestation rate was 63 percent, double the OECD average of 31 percent. The FAO said Korea was the only developing country to have achieved reforestation after World War II.

This week's event will serve as a forum for Korea to cement itself as a global leader in forestry, as evidenced by over 2,500 officials from 144 countries having confirmed to visit. Choi said it is a notable feat, since the COVID-19 pandemic has yet to show clear signs of retreat.

"Over 2,500 people from other countries including government officials, academic experts, advocacy group representatives among many other stakeholders bracing the global health crisis is a strong indication that this year's event is set to close in a resounding success," Choi said. "Together with about 10,000 local participants, the event will be joined by 12,500 people."

For context, the previous international event hosted by South Africa in 2015 was attended by 4,000 people.

Seoul Declaration

This week's event will mark an important occasion for the world's forest community, in his view, to launch collective efforts to meet shared goals, as defined by United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which established an international environmental treaty to reduce greenhouse gases.

The specifics of the goals will be encapsulated in the Seoul Declaration, a set of recommendations and policy directives Choi hopes will become emblematic of how the global forestry community will become more responsible and committed to environmental protection in the years to come.

"Last November, leaders of 141 countries agreed to make an effort to prevent deforestation, help restore forest losses and guarantee biodiversity by 2030," he said.

"It was an agreement that recognized the importance of environmental protection to solve the climate change crisis propped up by the carbon neutrality drive. I hope the Seoul Declaration set out by the KFS will serve as a meaningful milestone in the history of forestry," he said.

'Forestry messianism'

Forests used to cover about 60 percent of the global land area, but that figure has since declined to only 31 percent. Putting an end to the highly concerning deforestation can and will be the only answer to a slew of environmental problems, in what he calls "forestry messianism."

The religious sentiment might not draw popularity from everyone at first glance. However, the idea is based on the firm belief that reforestation to the level before human greed led to environmental consequences will "save us all."

"Climate crisis, biodiversity degradation and health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic are all rooted in deforestation," Choi said." More trees will absorb greenhouse gases, provide wildlife with an unthreatened place to live and reduce overall health risks. I can't think of a better way to save us all."