[Asia Exclusive] "Logging is Circular Forestry for Forest Resource Utilization, Not Ecosystem Destruction"

In an interview with this publication, Choi Byung-am, the Commissioner of the Korea Forest Service, explains the Korea Forest Service's position on the recent controversy surrounding logging. Photo by Korea Forest Service

[Interview by Lee Kyung-ho, Head of Social Affairs Department · Organized by Reporter Jeong Il-woong] “Logging is a part of cyclical forestry aimed at utilizing forests as a resource, following tree planting and nurturing,” said Choi Byung-am, Administrator of the Korea Forest Service (photo), in an interview with this publication regarding the recent ‘logging controversy.’

Choi emphasized, “Moderate and proper logging is not an act that destroys forest ecosystems but a process that must be respected for national economic development, maintaining forest health, and protecting the rights of forestry workers.”

The logging controversy surfaced earlier this year when the Korea Forest Service announced the ‘2050 Carbon Neutrality Oxygen Sector Promotion Strategy (draft).’

The Korea Forest Service plans to plant 3 billion trees over the next 30 years until 2050, increasing the forest carbon absorption capacity to 34 million tons.

Specifically, it presented four major policy directions: ▲ strengthening forest carbon absorption capacity through generational replacement of aging trees ▲ expanding new carbon sinks in North Korea and overseas ▲ expanding the use of timber and forest biomass ▲ conserving and restoring forest carbon sinks.

However, some environmental and civic groups have raised concerns about the Korea Forest Service’s plan. They argue that the plan should be completely revised in three areas: logging, rotation age (timber production timing), and carbon absorption by tree species.

These groups particularly worry that indiscriminate logging under the pretext of generational replacement could instantly destroy the forest ecosystems that have been carefully nurtured.

In fact, a recent clear-cut logging method in a private forest in Gangwon Province has fueled the controversy.

◆ Logging controversy has long existed = Administrator Choi stresses that the current logging controversy is not a recent issue but a longstanding point of contention.

Choi said, “Generally, forests are subjects with overlapping values and functions. The perspectives of stakeholders such as the state, individuals (forest owners), and environmental and civic groups are never the same. However, everyone has largely agreed on the need to preserve the intangible value of forests, and that remains true today.”

Historically, the perspective on forests has changed with the times, and the response methods varied depending on “what is important at the current point in time.”

Choi explained, “At the current stage, where 64% of the land is covered by forests due to reforestation, the Korea Forest Service is not only planting and nurturing trees but also considering efficient conservation and utilization methods. The recent logging controversy arose from conflicting views among stakeholders at the intersection of conservation and utilization.”

◆ Growing role of economic forests in carbon neutrality = Forests are emerging as a key carbon sink and a pillar for achieving carbon neutrality.

In line with this, the Korea Forest Service is promoting ways to sustainably manage and utilize economic forests intended for logging, while protecting forests with high conservation value in their original state.

Choi said, “Economic forests aim to enhance long-term carbon absorption by valuably utilizing forest resources as timber, storing carbon, and planting trees in logged areas. To this end, the Korea Forest Service plans to improve the uneven age structure of trees within economic forests.”

The ultimate goal for economic forests is to renew them with tree species that have strong carbon absorption capacity and to scale and concentrate forest management in line with the era’s demand for ‘carbon neutrality.’

Choi added, “Logging in economic forests is not simply cutting down old trees but involves protecting valuable trees while selectively thinning those that need to be removed for the overall health of the forest.”

◆ Launch of public-private council to resolve conflicts = The Korea Forest Service has launched the ‘Public-Private Council on Carbon Neutrality in the Forest Sector,’ a social consultative body, to find a consensus on the recent logging controversy.

The council consists of 19 members, including representatives from the Korea Forest Service, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Ministry of Environment, forestry workers, environmental groups, and experts. It was established to review logging issues and easing rotation age restrictions and to find solutions to contentious points.

The council plans to seek progressive alternatives by harmonizing the economic benefits of forests (forest owners), public interest values (citizens), and ecological concerns (environmental and civic groups) with participation from environmental and forestry organizations and academic experts.

Improvements in logging methods are expected to be made in a way that enhances the ecological and scenic value of economic forests. The results of the council’s discussions will be reflected and finalized in this month’s carbon neutrality strategy.

◆ Social roles in forest welfare and large-scale disasters = The Korea Forest Service’s social role is not limited to sustainable forest management such as logging and afforestation.

For example, last year, based on inter-ministerial cooperation, the Korea Forest Service confirmed its influence in spreading the social value of forests.

A representative case was the proposal of a multi-ministerial cooperation project in May last year for disaster psychological recovery support in response to COVID-19, which contributed to maximizing the benefits forests provide to the public.

Additionally, the increasing demand for rural living close to nature, recreation, and forest sports is a major factor expanding the Korea Forest Service’s role.

Choi said, “COVID-19 has brought many changes to social structures and lifestyles, and accordingly, the Korea Forest Service’s role has grown. We plan to expand public infrastructure in areas such as forest recreation and forest sports while promoting the transfer and activation of related industries to the private sector, ultimately creating a structure where private forest owners can generate high added value through forests.”

The Korea Forest Service’s role in forest disaster management has also increased. This is due to the growing public interest as forest disasters have become more frequent and large-scale throughout the year compared to the past.

Choi said, “Forest disasters such as wildfires and landslides are challenges recognized not only in Korea but worldwide. The Korea Forest Service is focusing on enhancing disaster response capabilities and establishing a system for immediate response to such crises.”

He added, “National efforts alone cannot prevent disasters; the effect will be doubled when citizens themselves develop a sense of crisis and participate in preventing forest disasters such as wildfires.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.