Jeonbuk Province Promotes 'Afforestation Project' to Achieve Carbon Neutrality

Investing 18.1 Billion KRW to Plant 4,503,500 Trees

Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province will invest a total of 18.1 billion KRW to implement an afforestation project, planting 4,503,500 trees across an area of 1,905 hectares.

According to the province on the 7th, the afforestation project has been launched to achieve carbon neutrality, establish sustainable forest resources, enhance the economic and public value of forests, respond to climate change, and expand carbon sinks.

Jeonbuk Provincial Government Building. Provided by Jeonbuk Province

In particular, the project will be carried out as a customized initiative reflecting functional and regional characteristics, including economic forest creation, large tree planting in residential areas, regionally specialized afforestation, and the establishment of fire-resistant forest belts.

This year's main afforestation projects include: ▲ "Economic forest creation" (1,442ha), which involves planting species with high economic value to establish a stable timber supply chain; ▲ "Large tree planting" (261ha), which improves urban and residential landscapes and reduces fine dust; ▲ "Regionally specialized afforestation" (147ha), reflecting local characteristics; and ▲ "Establishment of fire-resistant forest belts" (55ha) to prevent the spread of wildfires.

The economic forest creation project aims to increase the timber self-sufficiency rate and boost the income of forestry workers. To this end, species with high industrial utility will be intensively planted to lay the foundation for the sustainable use of forests.

In urban areas, tourist sites, and around residential zones, large trees with excellent fine dust reduction effects will be planted to improve the cityscape and provide residents with pleasant green spaces. Additionally, to prevent wildfire damage, fire-resistant forest belts will be established in major vulnerable areas to stop the spread of fires and protect the lives and property of residents.

Regionally specialized afforestation will also be expanded, reflecting local characteristics. In island regions, native species resistant to sea winds and salt damage will be planted to promote forest restoration, and specialized forests using representative local species will be created for tourism resources.

The province has thoroughly prepared for the successful implementation of the afforestation project by securing high-quality seedlings in advance and applying optimal planting methods. The spring afforestation project is scheduled for completion by next month, and continuous post-management will follow to maximize the results of the afforestation efforts.

Song Geumhyeon, Director of the Provincial Environment and Forestry Bureau, stated, "Planting and nurturing trees is one of the most effective ways to achieve carbon neutrality and respond to the climate crisis. We will do our utmost to expand afforestation projects continuously, secure future timber resources, expand carbon sinks, and enhance the economic and public value of forests."