Visit to Kochi Prefecture Forestry Technology Center
Exploring Cooperation in Agriculture, Livestock, and Forestry Industries
Business Agreement Between Jeonnam Forest Research Institute and Kochi Prefecture Forest Technology Center. Provided by Jeonnam Province
The Jeonnam Forest Research Institute visited the Kochi Prefecture Forestry Technology Center under the Forestry Promotion and Environment Department of Kochi Prefecture, Japan, as well as the Makino Botanical Garden, to exchange forestry-related technologies and information and explore avenues for cooperation.
On May 28, the Jeonnam Forest Research Institute began its visit with a meeting with Shogo Sakata, Director of the Forestry Promotion and Environment Department of Kochi Prefecture. The delegation then toured the Kochi Prefecture Forest Technology Center, the Forestry College, and the Kochi Prefecture Community Hall, which is constructed from CLT wooden architecture. They also spent time exchanging practical forestry research technologies and discussing the utilization of resources for environmentally friendly forest management.
Approximately 50 people participated in a joint workshop, including Hiroya Nishimori, Vice Governor of Kochi Prefecture; Shiojo Nishimori, former Chair of the Kochi Prefectural Assembly and honorary citizen of Jeonnam Province; members of the Kochi Prefecture Korea-Japan Friendship Association; members of the Kochi Prefectural Assembly's Korea-Japan Friendship Promotion Federation; and officials from the Kochi Prefectural Government. At this event, Director Oh Deuksil presented the current status of Jeonnam Province's forests, the research activities of the Jeonnam Forest Research Institute, and potential avenues for mutual cooperation.
On May 29, the delegation carefully examined cases of forestry and forest product industrialization by visiting the Makino Botanical Garden, Kochi Prefecture's comprehensive direct sales market for agricultural, marine, livestock, and forestry products, as well as a nursery, and sought ways to cooperate further.
On May 30, they visited the Reihoku region, which has the largest forested area and the most advanced forestry industry in Japan, to tour log production and wood processing facilities, including a timber industry cooperative. This region is regarded as an exemplary model for regional specialization in wood processing in Japan, efficiently utilizing local timber resources.
Kochi Prefecture is one of Japan's leading forestry regions, with the highest percentage of forest cover in the country. Production of timber such as Japanese cedar and cypress is active, and with approximately 600,000 hectares of forestland, 84% of the prefecture is mountainous, making forestry a core industry.
Director Oh Deuksil stated, "Through this visit, I hope that forestry research exchanges between Jeonnam Province and Kochi Prefecture will become even more active, contributing to the future development of forestry research in both regions."
The Jeonnam Forest Research Institute began its forestry exchange with Kochi Prefecture in 2016, when Shiojo Nishimori, former Chair of the Kochi Prefectural Assembly and honorary citizen of Jeonnam Province, donated Sendaiya cherry tree seeds from Kochi Prefecture to create a cherry tree hill at Mokpo Gongsaengwon, established by Yoon Hakja.
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