Jung Heeyong Anticipates Active Protection of Public Safety from Forest Disasters

The Forest Disaster Prevention Act, Sponsored by Assemblyman Jung Heeyong, Came into Force on February 1
Debate Discusses Implementation Plans for Shifting the Forest Disaster Response System
A Paradigm Shift in the Forest Disaster Response System

Jung Heeyong, Member of the National Assembly (People Power Party, Goryeong County, Seongju County, Chilgok County, North Gyeongsang Province; National Assembly Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, Livestock, Food and Maritime Affairs), held the National Assembly Debate on a Paradigm Shift in the Forest Disaster Response System at 2:00 p.m. on the 3rd in Seminar Room 1 of the Members’ Office Building.

This debate, hosted by Assemblyman Jung Heeyong and organized by the Korea Forest Service, was convened to discuss ways to shift the forest disaster response system and implement an integrated management system, on the occasion of the enforcement of the Forest Disaster Prevention Act.

Jeong Heeyong, Member of the National Assembly (People Power Party; representing Goryeong, Seongju and Chilgok counties in North Gyeongsang; National Assembly Committee on Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries) Scene from the National Assembly debate on a paradigm shift in the forest disaster response system / Photo by Kim Ihwan

The Forest Disaster Prevention Act, sponsored by Assemblyman Jung Heeyong, passed the plenary session of the National Assembly on December 31, 2024, and came into force on February 1 this year. With this bill, Assemblyman Jung was selected as an outstanding lawmaker in the legislative activity category at the National Assembly Legislative Awards in June last year.

In addition to Assemblyman Jung Heeyong, the debate was attended by People Power Party Floor Leader Song Eonseok, Policy Committee Chair Jeong Jeomsik, and Assembly members Kim Kihyun, Kim Seonggyo, Park Chungkwon, Lee Dalhee, Lee Sanghwi, Lee Inseon, Lim Jongdeuk, and Cho Seunghwan.

During the presentations and discussions, experts from various sectors in the field of forest disasters took part to explore a new forest disaster paradigm suited to the era of climate crisis, as well as effective policy directions to prepare for forest disasters such as wildfires, landslides, and forest pests and diseases.

The first presentation was delivered by Kim Younghyuk, Director of the Forest Disaster Management Division at the Korea Forest Service, who spoke on the topic “Enforcement of the Forest Disaster Prevention Act and Its Expected Effects,” explaining the contents and impact of the new law. Director Kim projected that, following the enforcement of the Act, it will be possible to establish an effective management system for forest disasters through: expansion of the spatial scope of forest disaster management; integrated management of forest disasters such as wildfires, landslides, and forest pests and diseases; review of construction site risks on land adjacent to forests; swift restoration of landslide-damaged areas; and the creation of a new authority for the Korea Forest Service Commissioner to request evacuation orders.

The second presentation was given by Lee Byungdoo, Director of the Forest Disaster and Environment Research Department at the National Institute of Forest Science, who proposed forest disaster response strategies based on scientific data under the theme “Climate Crisis and Forest Disasters.” Director Lee warned of the normalization of disaster threats and the potential intensification of forest disasters due to the climate crisis, and recommended a shift toward a prevention-centered integrated management system that incorporates advanced technologies such as AI-based precision diagnostics and a digital slope integrated information system.

In the subsequent comprehensive discussion, Professor Moon Hyuncheol of Honam University served as moderator, and the panel included Professor Kim Donghyun of Jeonju University, Kim Myeongcheol, Secretary-General of the Gyeongbuk Branch of the Korea Forest Fire Prevention Technology Association, Professor Lim Sangjun of Seoul National University, Han Hyerim, Head of the Forest Pest Research Division at the National Institute of Forest Science, and Kim Minsik, Head of the Forest Science and Technology Research Institute at Baeglim Co., Ltd. They discussed a wide range of measures to achieve practical improvements in the forest disaster response system and to bring about a paradigm shift.

In particular, medium- to long-term goals were presented for forest disaster response measures utilizing advanced technologies, including: continuous patrols using 5G drone and ground mobility robot technologies in combination; the introduction of an AX-based disaster management system; the establishment of a digital twin that integrates real-time weather data from the Korea Meteorological Administration with topographical information; and the mandatory collection of data for AX technology development.

Assemblyman Jung Heeyong, who hosted the debate, stated, “Due to climate change, forest disasters such as wildfires, landslides, and forest pests and diseases have been occurring far more frequently in recent years than in the past, and with the old forest disaster response system alone it is difficult to fully guarantee the safety of the people,” adding, “With the enforcement of the Forest Disaster Prevention Act, I hope we will be able to actively protect the lives and property of the people from forest disasters.”