JEJU ISLAND, 21 July 2026 — In a major step toward scaling up regional climate action, the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO) officially signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with WWF-Korea and the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, respectively. The landmark signing ceremonies served as the centerpiece of a high-level event held to commemorate World Mangrove Day, which also marked the official launch of the AFoCO Mangrove Initiative.
The strategic partnerships established through these MOUs are designed to provide the institutional framework and localized support necessary to drive AFoCO’s expanding coastal ecosystem portfolio across AFoCO Member Countries. The joint event, convened on Jeju Island, established a comprehensive operational roadmap aimed at mobilizing public, private, and civil society resources.
MOU Signing with the WWF-Korea focused on conservation of domestic forests and ecosystems and enhancement of biodiversity, including restoration of coastal ecosystems and conservation of endangered marine species such as sea turtles.
(From left) Dr. Chongho Park, Executive Director of AFoCO; Ms.Minhye Park, Executive Director of WWF-Korea
MOU Signing with the Jeju-Island focused conservation of Jeju’s forest ecosystems, including biodiversity conservation, sustainable tourism and forest recreation, and coastal ecosystem blue carbon linkage activities. This will further expand to the cooperation within the Asian Forests.
(From left) Dr. Chongho Park, Executive Director of AFoCO; Mr.Cheon-su Park, Vice Governor of the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province
By uniting WWF-Korea’s global conservation network and Jeju Island’s infrastructure with AFoCO’s intergovernmental platform, this collaboration will effectively drive the AFoCO Mangrove Initiative forward.
Contributed by Dr. Hannah Suh (Program Officer) and Ms. Rujira Sassana (Fellowship Official)