Forest restoration policy in the North Korea based on the reforestation experience in South Korea

Abstract

In order to promote forest restoration in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), the research investigated the reforestation experience of the Republic of Korea (South Korea), promoted as part of the Saemaul Undong movement in the 1970s. The key success factors of reforestation in South Korea include the pan-national campaign, efficient governance for social resource mobilization, development of the alternative energy industry, food production enhancement and great international support. North Korea has also launched a pan-national campaign, mobilized social resources, is developing renewable energy industries, and has cooperated with international communities. However, because reforestation in North Korea is directly or indirectly connected to various factors such as food security, energy supply and demand, and climate change, an integrated approach is necessary as a model for cooperative development to achieve the desired outcomes of forest restoration policies. Further, comprehensive agricultural and rural development, especially agroforestry projects, are required to implement forest restoration policies in North Korea efficiently and effectively.