Agri-Environment Conservation Programs Should Expand, Environmental Awareness Should Improve

The Korea Rural Economic Institute (KREI) on September 4 held the fifth KREI Saengsaeng Field Forum on the theme, “Improving Agri-Environment Through Agri-Environment Conservation Programs,” at the Hampyeong County Office.

Participants in the forum agreed that agri-environment conservation programs should be expanded nationwide to enhance the conditions for Korean agriculture and rural areas.

In her presentation, “Why Agri-Environment Conservation Programs Are Needed,” KREI research fellow Lim Youngah introduced agri-environment conservation programs in foreign countries including the US, and emphasized the need for agri-environment conservation programs suitable for the circumstances of Korean agriculture and rural communities.

Deputy Director Lee Jeonghwa of Culture & Community, through her presentation, “Field Applicability of Agri-Environment Conservation Programs,” introduced the procedures and implications of the empirical research on the three villages selected as empirical research areas for agri-environment conservation programs.

In his presentation, “Lessons and Tasks in Hampyeong,” Seong Jeongho, Head of Jangnyeon 3-ri, Hampyeong-gun, said that he would improve environmental awareness of his village’s residents through education and meetings on environment conservation programs.

In the discussion chaired by Director Lee Kyeim of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry Policy Research, KREI, various opinions were presented. Also, that day, forum attendees including KREI President Kim Changgil visited Jangnyeon 3-ri, Hampyeong-gun, one of the empirical research areas, to examine the progress and share the key direction of the project.