As concerns grow over the spread of pine wilt disease in Jeonnam, Gwangju City is strengthening its response system by designating special quarantine zones and establishing a dedicated organization.
Critics have pointed out that previous pest control efforts led by individual local governments have been insufficient to halt the spread of infection, making this new initiative crucial for reducing actual damage.
On October 23, Gwangju City held a pest control meeting at the Jeongnamjin Arboretum, attended by officials from the Korea Forest Service, local governments, forestry cooperatives, and related organizations.
The meeting included representatives from Gwangju's Forest and Garden Bureau, as well as five cities and counties: Yeosu, Suncheon, Gwangyang, Gwangsan District, and Jangseong, along with officials from the Western Regional Forest Service and Suncheon and Yeongam National Forest Management Offices, who shared information on local damage and pest control strategies.
The city plans to designate five severely affected cities and counties as special quarantine zones and apply differentiated pest control methods based on the level of damage in each area.
In regions with severe damage, the city will expand species conversion, replacing existing pine forests with other tree species. In areas with relatively minor damage, it will implement pest control methods suitable for local conditions, such as selective cutting.
To systematically address forest disasters, including wildfires, landslides, and pine wilt disease, Gwangju City has established a new 'Forest Disaster Prevention Division' and created a dedicated team.
This team of four will enhance the professionalism and responsiveness of pest control efforts by focusing on monitoring infected trees, developing pest control plans, responding on-site, and collaborating with relevant agencies.
This initiative is significant as it aims to address the limitations of the existing pest control system amid the ongoing spread of pine wilt disease.
Pine wilt disease is transmitted by vector insects such as the pine wood nematode, and infected pine trees can die, making early detection and rapid pest control essential.
However, as the affected areas expand, there is a shortage of budget and personnel needed for the removal of infected trees, and the demand for manpower and equipment during pest control periods complicates on-site responses.
The situation is further exacerbated by the suspension of aerial pest control against vector insects, highlighting the need for pest control strategies tailored to the characteristics of affected areas and joint responses among relevant agencies.
Previously, Aju Economy reported on the infection status of pine wilt disease in the Samhyang-eup area of Mu-an County, raising concerns about the spread of damage in the southwestern region of Jeonnam, including Hampyeong and Sinan, and calling for the establishment of a regional pest control system led by the Korea Forest Service.
At that time, 46 infected trees were confirmed in Mu-an County, and infected trees were also identified in Sinan County, indicating the spread of pine wilt disease in the southwestern forests.
Hampyeong County has also established extensive zones prohibiting the removal of pine trees, raising concerns about the spread of infection.
The issue is that pine wilt disease does not spread along administrative boundaries but can spread to neighboring areas due to the movement of vector insects and forest distribution.
Therefore, alongside the designation of special quarantine zones in these five cities and counties, ongoing monitoring and joint pest control in infected areas such as Mu-an, Hampyeong, and Sinan remain essential.
To prevent the spread to areas where damage has not yet been confirmed, proactive measures are necessary, including the removal of infected trees, management of prohibited removal zones, pest control for vector insects, and information sharing among neighboring local governments.
The city plans to share monitoring and pest control information with the Korea Forest Service, forestry cooperatives, and forestry organizations, and develop a medium- to long-term integrated pest control strategy that reflects the characteristics of damage in each region.
Kang Shin-hee, head of Gwangju City's Forest and Garden Bureau, stated, "The rapid spread of pine wilt disease poses challenges in securing pest control budgets and personnel, making close cooperation among relevant agencies crucial. We will strengthen pest control in the second half of the year, and through the designation of special quarantine zones and the development of a medium- to long-term integrated pest control strategy, we will do our utmost to prevent further spread."
However, for the designation of special quarantine zones and the operation of dedicated organizations to yield tangible results, sufficient budget allocation, reduction of infected trees in each region, and effective post-management of pest control projects will be necessary.
Meanwhile, Aju Economy has previously highlighted the seriousness of the nationwide spread of pine wilt disease and the infection status in southwestern Jeonnam, including Mu-an, Hampyeong, and Sinan, urging the establishment of an integrated pest control system involving the Korea Forest Service and regional governments. There is growing interest in whether Gwangju City's strengthened response will serve as a turning point in reducing damage in existing infected areas and preventing further spread to neighboring regions.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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