Ministerial Declaration on 'Sustainable Wood Use' by Six Countries Including Korea and Japan

Choi Byung-am, head of the Korea Forest Service (second from the left), appeals to the audience on the importance of sustainable wood use at the Ministerial Forum on Sustainable Wood, held on the 3rd as part of the special events of the 15th World Forestry Congress. Photo by Korea Forest Service

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Il-woong] Vice ministers from six countries, including Korea and Japan, gathered to agree on spreading the use of 'sustainable wood' and issued a declaration.

On the 4th, the Korea Forest Service announced that it held a 'Ministerial Forum on Sustainable Wood' as part of a special event for the '15th World Forestry Congress' at COEX in Seoul the previous day.

The forum brought together vice ministers from the forestry and environment sectors of six countries, including Korea, Japan, Austria, and Gabon, to share each country's experiences and policies on the production and use of sustainable wood. The event aimed to have the international community collectively address the challenges of 'sustainable use of wood,' which had previously been considered at national and regional levels.

In particular, at this event, Choi Byung-am, head of the Korea Forest Service, participated as a speaker and introduced Korea's policies and technologies for sustainable wood use and achieving a circular economy system for forest resources to the participating countries.

The main forest policies introduced by Director Choi include the enforcement of the 'Act on the Sustainable Use of Wood,' expansion of domestic wood use and wooden architecture, and the implementation of a legal timber trade promotion system.

Technologically, he also emphasized Korea's efforts in 'technology development for long-term use of wood' to maximize the carbon storage effect of wood and wood products.

At the forum, the 'Ministerial Call on Sustainable Wood,' expressing the commitment of the six countries to expand sustainable wood-based pathways, was also announced.

This declaration highlights the importance of sustainable wood use based on sustainable forest management, aims to enhance policy and technical dialogue between countries, and seeks to expand wood-based pathways.

The declaration was initially launched by representatives of the six countries attending the forum, and the Korea Forest Service expects the number of participating countries to increase in the future.

The forum concluded with closing remarks from the head of the Korea Forest Service and the announcement of the declaration.

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