Research Reports
A Study for Korea International Development Cooperation Strategy in the Forestry Sector
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AuthorLee, Sangmin
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Publication Date2016.01.26
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Original
This study was conducted to propose a unified development direction for the forestry sector and establish a strategic plan to improve the effect of international development cooperation in the sector. Short-term projects were carried out by the business operating organizations as the need arises based on the project. Accordingly, this study proposed a basic strategic plan necessary for the successful implementation of international development cooperation by using the self-reflections on various problems that occurred while business operating organizations performed short-term projects according to their needs and the strengths of the forest restoration experiences. It also provided a guideline for establishing a strategy paper for each cooperation partner country.
The international development cooperation strategies of the biggest donors and multilateral organizations were compared and analyzed. Also, the information and problems related to international development cooperation in the forestry sector were put together and an international development cooperation strategy plan was devised.
Contribution in solving global issues and eradicating poverty through sustainable forest management and use was set as the goal of international development cooperation in the forestry sector. As for strategic principles, this study suggested reducing the portion of forestry development; increasing the portion of forestry policy and administrative management and forestry research; increasing untied aid; increasing concessional loans; prioritizing solving global issues; an integrated approach through cooperation with other sectors; running business in a direction that meets the goals of Post-2015; and establishing a long-term monitoring and assessment system. In order to achieve these goals, this study proposed to prioritize solving the common interests of mankind such as addressing climate change through sustainable forest resource management; improving the living of local communities through proper use of forest resources; combat with desertification; and biodiversity. As for the core cooperation areas, there are managing the protection and improvement of the carbon dioxide absorbing ability of forests; REDD+ introduction; strengthening the legal system related to forest use; active participation of the underprivileged; forest management by local residents; reinforcing policy consultations to form a bond of sympathy regarding projects related to global issues; and providing aid for duty performance to countries that signed the international agreement. In the case of plans to implement such projects, this study proposed establishing on-the-job training courses and continuously providing training opportunities about ODA to forestry experts; having sufficient knowledge and technology for elements to improve the quality of projects; and establishing a long-term monitoring and assessment system, besides annual monitoring, under the cooperation with recipient countries. Indonesia, Laos and Paraguay were selected as the core cooperation countries. As for the project promotion system, it was considered desirable for KOICA to be in charge of projects in the forestry sector. It should seek advice on ex-ante validity evaluation on projects and project planning from the Korea Forest Service, the expert group, and make requests for technical consultations to the Korea Forest Service.
Although this paper does not contain everything related to international development cooperation, it can be considered to have accomplished its intended goal if a more detailed and meticulous national strategic paper can be written for each partner country based on it. The problems that were revealed in the course of this study are not limited to the forestry sector. Also, because those are the problems that can occur as it has not been a long time since Korea became a donor country, it should continuously strive to provide practical support for the development of developing countries by systematically promoting projects under a long-term plan based on past experiences. In the case of the forestry sector, the budget is small and projects are very small. However, considering the development of recipient countries and global influence, its importance is no less than that of other sectors. The forestry sector also has enough elements that can attract the participation of the private sector. Therefore, international development cooperations should not only depend on requests from developing countries but continuous investigation and research of programs and projects that can provide actual help are necessary.
Researchers: Lee Sangmin, Min Kyungteak, Koo Jachoon, Lee Soyoung, Kwon Jihae
Research period: 2015. 1. ~ 2015. 10.
E-mail address: smlee@krei.re.kr
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