Shinan County Holds Nation's First Tree-Planting Event to Address Climate Crisis

2,000 Nahan Song Trees Planted as New County Tree

Shinan County in Jeonnam (Governor Park Woorang) held a tree planting event for the first time in the country on the 25th.

According to the county on the 26th, the event took place at the Climate Response Urban Forest in Jidoup Automatic-ri, with over 200 participants including Governor Park Woorang, Jeonnam Provincial Council members, Shinan County Council members, the Chief of Shinan County Fire Station, the Head of Shinan County Forestry Cooperative, the President of Shinan County Ornamental Tree Social Cooperative, public officials, and local residents.

County Governor Woo-Ryang Park (right) and County Council Chairman Sangju Lee are planting a tree. Provided by Sinan County

Considering that, due to climate change, it is more advantageous for trees to take root if planted earlier than April 5 in southern regions, the county advanced the tree planting event.

The optimal planting temperature is 6.5°C, but the average temperature in April has recently been 14.9°C, which is not suitable. However, last year, the average temperature in southern regions in February was 6.4°C. It was determined that planting in February increases the tree survival rate by about 20 to 30 percent.

Last year, the county changed its official tree from pine to Nahan Song and planted 2,000 Nahan Song trees on this day. A Nahan Song estimated to be 275 years old, which had withstood all of nature's hardships on Gageodo, was discovered, and the tree was chosen for its symbolism, reflecting the spirit of Shinan County residents who endure and overcome adversity. In addition to being the county tree, Nahan Song is highly effective in reducing fine dust and is considered a suitable species for creating climate response urban forests.

Governor Park Woorang stated, "By next year, we will further expand the climate response urban forest being created in Jido to establish a sustainable foundation for the future and environment of our residents."

Currently, 6,000 Nahan Song trees have been planted in the Jido climate response urban forest, and the county plans to carry out an afforestation project covering 48 hectares in the future.