The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Korea Forest Service (KFS) of the Republic of Korea and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests (MoAF) of the Kingdom of Bhutan on Technical Cooperation in the field of forestry was virtually met and signed on 12th October 2022. His Excellency, Dr. Nam Sung Hyun, Minister for the Korea Forest Service led the delegates from the Republic of Korea and His Excellency, Lyonpo Yeshey Penjor, Minister, Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, Royal Government of Bhutan led the delegates for the signing. Dasho Thinley Namgeyl, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Director, Department of Forests and Park Services, Chief of PPD and Chiefs from DoFPS attended the signing from the Bhutan’s side.
The purpose of this MoU is to promote and strengthen the cooperation between the two countries in the forestry fields. The main areas of cooperation support for the improvement of regulations, policies and mechanisms for sustainable forest management and forest restoration; research and development related to adaptation to climate change and to the forestry sector, as well as forestry research applied to the production of goods from natural forests, forest plantations and state forest assets assigned to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests of the Kingdom of Bhutan; investment in the development of forest resources, including the production of forest species and the establishment of forest plantations and their industrialization; conservation and restoration of forest ecosystems and the improvement of forest resources; prevention, monitoring and control of forest disasters, such as forest fires, forest pests and diseases; development of forest recreation and ecotourism; exchange of experiences in forest issues through reciprocal visits and capacity-building programs; urban forestry and social forestry; watershed management and runoff control; prevention and management of erosion and desertification through forestry; elaboration of informative material on forestry-related themes; and any other forestry-related areas that may be jointly decided by the Sides.
This MoU has a special feature establishing a Forest Cooperative Committee to facilitate and ensure the efficient implementation of this MoU. Within the framework of this MoU, the Forest Cooperative Committee will have the following functions review and evaluate the progress of the implementation of this MoU; analyze and prepare for cooperative activities; and discuss other issues related to this MoU.
This MoU will remain in effect for a five (5) year term from the date of signing.
