Gangwon Province Launches Joint Implementation Task Force for Rational Conservation and Utilization Agreement of Mt. Gariwang

The First Step Toward Preserving Mt. Gariwang and Revitalizing the Local Community

Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Governor Kim Jin-tae) announced on September 30 that it officially launched the "Joint Implementation Task Force for the Rational Conservation and Utilization Agreement of Mt. Gariwang" (hereinafter referred to as the Task Force) by holding its first meeting at the Gangwon Provincial Arboretum Forest Museum.

The Task Force was established to implement the "Agreement on the Rational Conservation and Utilization of Mt. Gariwang," which was jointly signed in March by the Korea Forest Service, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, Jeongseon County, the local community, and environmental organizations. The Task Force consists of five government members-representing Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, the Korea Forest Service, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and Jeongseon County-and five civilian members, including representatives from environmental organizations, local residents, and experts.

Going forward, the Task Force will actively seek alternative ways to utilize Mt. Gariwang in harmony with the local community and nature. In particular, it plans to review a range of proposals put forward by the consultative body, including the creation of a forest-type garden, the establishment of a National Forest Restoration Research Institute, and the construction of a Jeongseon Memorial Hall for the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. The Task Force aims to develop concrete action plans that will enable the coexistence of the local community and the natural environment.

During the meeting, the Task Force finalized its operating regulations and reviewed the scope of research projects related to the utilization of Mt. Gariwang.

Yeo Junghyup, Deputy Governor for Administrative Affairs of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province and head of the Task Force, stated, "After a long-standing conflict over conservation and utilization, we have finally reached an agreement on Mt. Gariwang. Now, we must work together to ensure that this agreement is implemented without wavering. I urge everyone to pool their wisdom so that the Gariwangsan Alpine Stadium can be reborn as a valuable space that preserves nature while revitalizing the local community."

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