Search Results (2)

Climate change has been transforming forest ecosystems globally, affecting the sustainability of conventional forest management practices. This study investigates the suitable forestation area (SFA) for Larix kaempferi and Chamaecyparis obtusa and their growth potential in South Korea under various climate change scenarios. Using species distribution models (SDMs) based on machine learning ensembles, we analyzed potential spatial shifts in the climatic suitability for these species. Growth models based on field data were also developed to evaluate growth variation between Köppen–Geiger climatic zones. The results indicate a substantial reduction in the SFA for L. kaempferi, with its habitat range confined to high-altitude regions due to rising temperatures. In contrast, the forestation potential for C. obtusa is predicted to expand nationwide, particularly in inland areas, under climate change scenarios. However, extreme increases in temperature and atmospheric CO₂ concentrations exceeding 600 ppm may inhibit growth, highlighting the need for the development of adaptive management strategies. This study provides useful information for climate-resilient forestation planning by combining growth-weighted suitability indices with projected habitat shifts. These findings emphasize the importance of prioritizing high-altitude conservation zones for L. kaempferi and employing C. obtusa for inland afforestation as a means to ensure sustainable forest management and carbon neutrality objectives. Full article

This study examined the development, direction, and characteristics of the North Korean forest restoration policy when compared to similar restoration policies established in South Korea. The success factors of South Korea’s Forest Conservation and Afforestation Project were classified into four forest policy categories: (a) policy and system improvement, (b) evaluation and capacity building, (c) people’s participation encouragement, and (d) restoration foundation creation. Similarities in terms of these aspects were found when compared with the Forest Restoration Battle of North Korea. For policy and system improvement, South Korea established the 1st and 2nd Forest Conservation and Afforestation Plans and transferred the control of the Korea Forest Service to its Ministry of Home Affairs. Similarly, North Korea established a forest development plan and a command unit for the Forest Restoration Battle. For evaluation and capacity building, South Korea utilized a tree monitoring and forestry association. North Korea is obtaining these effects through both a socialist competition movement and agroforestry. Further, South Korea aimed to promote people’s participation through a nursery project, a tree planting movement, and a responsible afforestation system, whereas North Korea adopted agroforestry, a patriotic forest movement, and a responsible forest system. Finally, South Korea succeeded in replacing forest fuels with fossil fuels, clearing slash-and-burn fields, and performing erosion control. By comparison, North Korea is promoting the development of replacement fuels, such as ultra-high-grade anthracite coal and the formation of separate firewood forests. North Korea has revised its forest law to strengthen penalties for deforestation activities, such as anthropogenic forest fires, and replaced erosion control works with agroforestry, which allows for slope management. Among the four aspects, the largest difference was found for restoration foundation creation. Therefore, this area can provide a guideline for future inter-Korean forest cooperation. Full article