ASEAN-Korea Agree on Forestry Cooperation

Nusa Dua, Bali - Ten ASEAN countries with South Korea on the second day of the 19th ASEAN Summit here on Friday signed an agreement in forestry cooperation. The agreement was signed in the presence of ASEAN Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan on Friday at the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center (BNDCC) by South Korean Forestry Minister Lee Don Koo and ASEAN ministers who are in charge of forestry. On behalf of the governments of ASEAN member countries, Surin extended his gratitude to South Korea, which since 2000 has forged a cooperation with ASEAN in forestry sector in the framework of ASEAN-Korea Environmental Cooperation Project (Akecop). The cooperation was in the form of research to protect the diversity of forest ecosystems in Southeast Asia, and education and training programs for ASEAN community in forestry field. Surin on the occasion also expressed his appreciation to South Korea as a country in the front line to implement environmentally-based economic growth, and development with low carbon emissions. "South Korea has been generous to share not only the experience and expertise with global community, but also the most important resource in the form of knowledge," said the ASEAN secretary general. Surin stressed the importance of forests for ASEAN region that housed 20 percent of the species of the world's flora and fauna. Besides, he added that half of the ASEAN population depend on forest resources, and therefore it is important for ASEAN countries to maintain forest conservation. Surin said that ASEAN countries at present were facing the impact of climate change that could actually be prevented through forest conservation. (*)