The Korea Forest Service hosted an international symposium in Seoul on Wednesday to discuss business on forest management to prevent deforestation and degradation.

The one-day seminar was organized with the aim of providing opportunities with private companies and organizations to participate in the so-called overseas REDD+ projects.

REDD+ is a climate change mitigation solution that many initiatives, including the U.N.-REDD Program, are currently developing and supporting.

During the workshop, the government agency introduced successful cases related to REDD+ projects, officials said.

In addition, experts from some international organizations including the World Bank and FAO, and the Cambodian government shared their views on REDD+ schemes with participants.

KFS officials said the symposium served as an opportunity among experts and participants to discuss business purposes, benefits and how to participate in the projects.

The meeting also became an event for participants to seek other ways to reduce greenhouse gases.

Seoul officials said the symposium would help the government implement its policies related to boosting forest-related industries and reducing carbon emissions.

“I hope that investment from private firms, private and public organizations in REDD+ projects will be revitalized,” said Ryu Kwang-su, director general at the International Affairs Bureau of the Korea Forest Service.

This symposium was the second of its kind.

By Lee Kwon-hyung (kwonhl@heraldcorp.com)