Korea, Indonesia expand forest, wildfire cooperation amid climate risks

The Korea Forest Service said Thursday it has signed a framework agreement on forestry cooperation and a separate memorandum of understanding on wildfire management and post-fire restoration with Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry.

The deals cover joint efforts in sustainable forest and mangrove management, wildfire response, and the development of forest carbon markets to address the climate crisis.

The agreements were signed by Korea Forest Service Minister Park Eun-sik and Indonesia’s Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni. Both sides agreed to expand the Forest Fire Management in Asia initiative through the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization.

They also pledged closer cooperation in monitoring wildfire-affected areas and advancing forest restoration using satellite-based agricultural and forestry data.

During the visit, the Indonesian delegation was introduced to Korea’s aerial wildfire suppression system, which enables rapid response using helicopters and drones, and discussed potential areas for further collaboration.

“Korea and Indonesia have been key partners in forest cooperation for over 40 years,” Park said. “As the climate crisis intensifies, we will strengthen joint efforts in sustainable forest management and wildfire response.”