Wando-gun Selected as a Project for Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Establishment of the National Subtropical Arboretum

Major National Project with Over 190 Billion Won Investment, Full Effort for Early Completion

[Wando＝Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Kyung-pil] The project to establish the National Subtropical Arboretum, promoted by Wando-gun, Jeollanam-do (Governor Shin Woo-cheol), has been selected as a target project for the preliminary feasibility study by the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

According to the county on the 3rd, selection as a target project for the preliminary feasibility study is considered one of the evaluations with high standards that is difficult to be selected at once, as it comprehensively considers compatibility with mid- to long-term investment plans, concreteness of the project plan, urgency of project promotion, and more.

Accordingly, the county has set a goal to be selected within 2021 and has continuously proposed the necessity and urgency of establishing the National Subtropical Arboretum to central government agencies including the Ministry of Economy and Finance, emphasizing the need for a swift national response to rapid climate change along with fine dust reduction, as the importance of carbon neutrality is emerging worldwide.

Wando-gun applied for the preliminary feasibility study target project to the Ministry of Economy and Finance in October, about two months earlier than originally planned, and was selected as a target project for the preliminary feasibility study at the 8th Financial Project Evaluation Committee held on December 28 last year.

Ando-geol, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Economy and Finance and chairman of the Financial Project Evaluation Committee, stated, “The National Subtropical Arboretum establishment project is a high-priority national policy project due to its importance in responding to climate change such as fine dust reduction and expanding opportunities for cultural enjoyment for the public,” adding, “After completing preliminary procedures such as forming a research team, the preliminary feasibility study is expected to begin in earnest within one to two months.”

Governor Shin Woo-cheol said, “The National Subtropical Arboretum has been recognized as a cornerstone of innovative industries that enrich our lives as a hub for responding to climate change beyond the functions and roles of existing arboretums, meeting the public’s expectations in the rapidly changing modern society and the COVID-19 era,” and added, “Since we have taken the difficult first step, we will do our best to ensure that the National Subtropical Arboretum establishment project proceeds promptly.”

Meanwhile, Wando-gun plans to ensure smooth progress of the preliminary feasibility study led by the Korea Development Institute (KDI) early this year, and will also swiftly proceed with the procedures for exchanging national and public forests in cooperation with the Korea Forest Service and Jeollanam-do.

Wando＝Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Kyung-pil ckp6737@asiae.co.kr

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