By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo
The Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Korea, Nurgali Arystanov, took part in the event “Forest and Innovation - New Solutions for a Better World” to mark the International Day of Forests on March 21. It was organized by the Korea Forest Service and the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO) and attended by Ambassadors of AFoCO countries such as Chile, Brunei, Myanmar, the Philippines and Tajikistan.
While delivering the remarks, the Kazakh Ambassador noted the positive dynamics of cooperation between Kazakhstan and the Korea Forest Service and AFoCO in the field of forest accounting and restoration. Currently, two joint projects are being implemented to automate the collection of data on forestry and to enhance technology and capacity for massive production of quality planting material to support national forestation goals in Kazakhstan. The planting of saxaul trees (haloxylon) on the dry bed of the Aral Sea was noted as a successful story of cooperation with the Korean side.
During the event, the Kazakh diplomat discussed with the Minister of the Korea Forest Service, Nam Sung-hyun, the issue of opening a Regional Education and Training Center and an AFoCO Regional Representative Office in Kazakhstan. The Korean side expressed an interest in expanding cooperation with Kazakhstan.
The sides also exchanged views on the prospects for cooperation in the field of forest fire control and the introduction of advanced technologies for monitoring forests using drones, artificial intelligence, satellites and digital technologies.
It should be noted that Kazakhstan has been a member of AFoCO since 2019 and a representative of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Madi Nurpeisov, is serving at the Secretariat of the organization as a fellowship officer.
It is symbolic that the event dedicated to the conservation and restoration of forests coincided with the Nauryz celebration, symbolizing the renewal of nature and harmony of human beings with the environment.
