Hwasun-gun Launches Full-Scale 'Fine Dust Blocking Forest Creation Project'

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Young-gyun] Hwasun-gun, Jeollanam-do (Governor Gu Chung-gon) announced on the 2nd that it will actively promote the fine dust blocking forest creation project.

Since last year, the county has been creating a fine dust blocking forest over an area of 2.4 hectares around the Bio-Pharmaceutical Industrial Complex to block the spread of air pollution and urban heat island phenomenon, with a total investment of 2.4 billion KRW.

Previously, the first-year project (with a budget of 1.4 billion KRW) that started in September last year is currently 90% complete and is planned to be finished within this month.

Additionally, the second-year project, with an investment of 1 billion KRW, is under design and scheduled to be completed by October.

According to the National Institute of Forest Science, urban forests have an average fine dust concentration 25.6% lower and ultrafine dust 40.9% lower compared to general urban areas, and one hectare of forest effectively reduces 168 kg of pollutants such as fine dust in the atmosphere annually.

Areas with urban forests lower the average temperature by 3 to 7℃ in midsummer and increase humidity by 9 to 23%, thereby alleviating the urban heat island phenomenon.

A county official said, “Forests and trees not only improve urban aesthetics but also act as air purifiers,” adding, “We will promote various forest creation policies to establish a pleasant urban environment.”