산림 관리의 모범 대한민국, 개발도상국에게 지속 가능한 산림 관리 기술을 전수하다
The natural beauty of the nation's mountains are the result of years of careful management and re-forestation programs.
Experts from developing countries visited South Korea to learn how it looks after forest resources.
KIM Da-mi has the full story.
South Korea is one of only four countries with a successful history of forest rehabilitation following World War II.
In order to learn from Korea's successful reforestation, foreign experts and researchers have gathered in Seoul for workshops and field trips.
Korea's reforestation efforts date back to 1950s, when the government introduced the National Forest Plans and fast-growing trees were planted to prevent floods and erosion.
In the early 1960s, about 56% of the country was covered by forest, today 64% is covered -- an increase of 840,000 hectares.
Nowadays, the focus has shifted from tree-planting to sustainability.
Korea's current Sustainable Forest Management policy focuses on balance between forest utilization and preservation, and aims at increasing the amount of natural recreational forests and parks.
Not only are forests and recreational parks places for citizens to relax and enjoy nature, but they also create green job opportunities such as forest guides, tree surgeons, and researchers specializing in tree care.
"The first time I'm seeing a forest hospital. I haven't even heard about it. All the advancements that happened scientifically and technically has a lot to offer to developing countries...",
"I'm particularly interested in how your fire management techniques can be applied back at home, especially wild fire management."
Korea's extensive experience in reforestation and sustainable forest management will now help developing countries restore, protect and utilize their own forests.
KIM Da-mi, Arirang News.
