AFoCO and Sustainable World Network signs MOU for Sustainable Forest Management in Asia

May 22, 2024 — The Asia Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO) and the Sustainable World Network (SWN) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration and promote sustainable forest management in Asia. The ceremony took place at the AFoCO Secretariat in Seoul, South Korea, and was attended by key representatives from both organizations.

The MoU, signed by Mr. Sunpil Jin, Vice Executive Director, AFoCO and Mr. Choe Su-Il , Chairman, Sustainable World Network outlines a framework for cooperation in a range of areas, including:

1. Joint Program Development: Collaborative initiatives focusing on forest conservation and restoration, biodiversity protection, and sustainable livelihoods for local communities.
2. Climate Change Mitigation: Shared efforts to enhance carbon sequestration, reduce deforestation and forest degradation, and support adaptation measures to build resilience to climate change impacts.
3. Community Empowerment: Projects and initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of forest-dependent communities through sustainable livelihoods, capacity building, and equitable access to forest resources.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Sunpil Jin emphasized the importance of this partnership: “This MoU marks a significant milestone in AFoCO’s ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation in the forest sector and promote action-oriented practices of sustainable forest management. By collaborating to address the critical challenges posed by climate change, particularly its impacts on forest ecosystems and communities, we aim to foster joint efforts in forest conservation, and restoration. Partnering with the Sustainable World Network will enable us to amplify our impact and achieve tangible results in protecting our forests and supporting local communities.”

The signing of the MoU signals a commitment by both organizations to work collaboratively to address the critical challenges facing Asia’s forests. This partnership is expected to yield tangible benefits for the region’s forest, environment, and communities.