Foreign ambassadors to Korea pose during an event marking the International Day of Forests 2024 at the National Institute of Forest Science in Seoul, March 21. Courtesy of Embassy of Kazakhstan in Seoul

Foreign ambassadors to Korea took part in the event "Forest and Innovation — New Solutions for a Better World" at the National Institute of Forest Science in Seoul, commemorating the International Day of Forests.

Organized by the Korea Forest Service and the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO), the event saw the participation of ambassadors from AFoCO member countries, including Kazakhstan, Chile, Brunei, Myanmar, the Philippines and Tajikistan.

Kazakh Ambassador Nurgali Arystanov stressed the flourishing cooperation between Kazakhstan, the Korea Forest Service and AFoCO in forest accounting and restoration.

Two collaborative projects are currently underway to automate forestry data collection and enhance technology for the mass production of high-quality planting material. These initiatives aim to support Kazakhstan's national reforestation goals.

He also hailed the successful collaboration with Korea in planting saxaul trees (haloxylon) on the desiccated bed of the Aral Sea.

Discussions between the Kazakh diplomat and Korea Forest Service Minister Nam Sung-hyun centered on the potential establishment of a regional education and training center and an AFoCO Regional Representative Office in Kazakhstan.

Furthermore, both parties exchanged insights regarding forest fire control and explored the integration of advanced technologies such as drones, artificial intelligence, satellites, and digital technologies for forest monitoring.

Kazakhstan has been an AFoCO member since 2019, with Madi Nurpeisov, a representative from Kazakhstan's Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, serving as a fellowship officer at the AFoCO Secretariat.

The timing of the event, coinciding with the Nauryz celebration, which symbolizes the renewal of nature and harmony between humans and the environment, adds a symbolic touch to the dedication toward forest conservation and restoration. Nauryz holds significant importance for Kazakhs, representing the commencement of a new year.