Park Hong-yeol, Gyeongbuk Provincial Councilor, Highlights Severe Forest Degradation... Proposes Nurturing Ordinance

On the 14th, the Gyeongbuk Provincial Council announced that Assemblyman Park Hong-yeol (Yeongyang, Independent) has taken the lead in proposing the "Ordinance on the Promotion and Support of Forest Resources in Gyeongsangbuk-do" to foster and support forest-related industries in the Gyeongbuk region.

The main contents of the ordinance stipulate the governor's responsibilities for the promotion and support of forest resources, the establishment of promotion plans, support projects and financial assistance, as well as technology development, dissemination, and expansion.

Hong-Yeol Park, Gyeongbuk Provincial Assembly Member.

According to the Forest Science Institute, Korea's forests have an estimated public value of approximately 221 trillion won, which translates to an annual benefit of about 4.28 million won per capita for all citizens. In Gyeongbuk, there are about 43,000 forestry workers, accounting for 19% of the nationwide total of approximately 230,000, representing the largest share in the country. Additionally, there are about 150,000 members of forest cooperatives in the region, making up 35% of the national total.

Assemblyman Park Hong-yeol explained the purpose of establishing the ordinance, stating, "Gyeongbuk possesses forests covering about 1.3 million hectares, approximately 70% of its total area, but the utilization of forest resources is low compared to their value. Moreover, large-scale forest fires have repeatedly occurred over several years, causing the precious forests to be encroached upon, which is regrettable." He emphasized the necessity of the ordinance by adding, "To realize the potential of forest resources, it is essential to foster and support related sectors to strengthen competitiveness and contribute to revitalizing the local economy."

This ordinance is scheduled to be approved at the plenary session on the 22nd.