The Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO) has entered into a partnership with YUHAN Corporation, the National Forest Agency of Mongolia, and the “Billion Trees” NGO through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This agreement aims to foster public-private collaboration to support Mongolia’s ambitious “Billion Trees” National Movement, which seeks to restore degraded lands and expand the country’s forest cover.
Through this MOU, the partners have agreed to establish a framework for closer cooperation in promoting sustainable forest management and restoration, while enhancing carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and forest-based livelihoods. Beyond ecological restoration, the partnership emphasizes building resilient communities and promoting corporate responsibility as a means of accelerating climate action.
The signing ceremony was attended by His Excellency Sukhbold Sukhee, Ambassador of Mongolia to Korea, and Mr. Munkhbat Zayat, Advisor to the President of Mongolia, as well as representatives from AFoCO; YUHAN Corporation; the NFA, and the “Billion Trees” NGO.
This effort not only reflects Mongolia’s strong commitment to environmental stewardship but also underscores the broader role of forests in addressing pressing development challenges. By investing in sustainable forest management, Mongolia is contributing to ecological balance while fostering opportunities for livelihoods, education, and long-term resilience.
The ceremony also carried symbolic significance. The President of YUHAN Corporation noted that signing of the MOU coincides with the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Mongolia, as well as the 99th anniversary of YUHAN Corporation’s founding—making the partnership a timely and meaningful gesture of friendship and cooperation.
Looking ahead, the collaboration will kick off with the planting of at least 36,000 trees (approximately 15 hectares) annually in wildfire-affected areas of the Batsumber region in Mongolia, supported through financial contributions from YUHAN Corporation.
By bringing together the strengths of governments, the private sector, and civil society, this partnership represents a vital step forward in advancing sustainability, strengthening climate resilience, and contributing to the global fight against climate change. As emphasized during the ceremony, the MOU is more than just an agreement—it is a promise to work collectively toward a greener, more sustainable future. This partnership will stand as a model for others to follow. The trees planted are not merely seedlings; they are symbols of hope, responsibility, and resilience for generations to come.