In a continued effort to advance sustainable forestry practices and global restoration initiatives, in January 2024, the Forest Landscape Restoration Mechanism (FLRM) visited the Republic of Korea and engaged in meaningful discussions with key stakeholders, including the Korea Forest Service (KFS), the Korea Arboreta and Gardens Institute (KAGI), the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO) and the FAO Partnership and Liaison Office of the Republic of Korea (FAROK). The focus of this visit was on securing funding for FLRM Phase 3, supporting the World Restoration Flagship (WRF) submission and contributing to the seventy-fifth anniversary event organized by the FAROK.

On 23 January, the FAO representatives visited the KFS headquarters in Daejeon, where they delivered a comprehensive presentation on the FLRM’s achievements and initiated official consultations with the KFS regarding the proposed funding extension for FLRM Phase 3. During these discussions, the FAO representatives also shed light on the Forest Ecosystem Restoration Mechanism (FERM) registry and the WRF submission. The KFS responded positively on both points, indicating a shared commitment to global restoration efforts. 

To further strengthen existing partnerships, the FAO delegation visited the KAGI, where they presented the FLRM’s activities and achievements. In subsequent discussions with KAGI experts, both parties explored ways to strengthen cooperation, particularly with regard to collaborating on the use of seed vaults. 

The FAO representatives then visited the AFoCO on 25 January, where discussions mainly covered promoting cooperation between both organizations. Following a presentation on the FLRM’s and WRF activities, AFoCO also expressed interest in participating in the FERM registry and WRF submission, highlighting the continuing communication by both sides on developing and enhancing cooperation on the joint projects.

On the same day, the FAO representatives visited the FAROK in Seoul. Discussions there covered the outcomes of the duty travel, and strategies were explored to enhance the relationship between FAO and the Republic of Korea. The FAROK provided insights into the direction that international cooperation was taking for the Republic of Korea, as well as on secondment from the Seoul Metropolitan Government and collaboration with the National Institute of Forest Science. Additionally, the FAROK informed the FAO representatives about an upcoming special event to celebrate the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Republic of Korea becoming a FAO Member Nation, which is scheduled for November. The FAO representatives were invited to participate in this event.  

On 26 January, the FAO representatives had a meeting with staff members from the Green Climate Fund (GCF). Exchanges centred around the GCF application, and valuable feedback was received from GCF staff members, concerning ongoing efforts to address climate change through sustainable forestry practices. 

These collaborative efforts underscore the commitment of FAO and its partners in the Republic of Korea towards advancing sustainable forest management and global restoration initiatives. The shared enthusiasm for participation in the FERM registry and WRF submission signals a promising future for international cooperation and its role in safeguarding our planet’s vital ecosystems. 

Christophe Besacier and Sangick Lee (FAO)