KT&G is partnering with the Korea Forest Service and the Asia Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO) to restore areas damaged by wildfires in South Korea.
On July 27, KT&G announced that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Forest Service and AFoCO on July 24 to enhance cooperation in domestic forest restoration and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) management.
Under the agreement, KT&G will plant tree species suitable for the local ecosystem to restore vegetation in wildfire-affected areas. Over the next five years, the company plans to plant a total of 75,000 trees, covering an area of 150,000 square meters. After planting, KT&G will also conduct monitoring and maintenance to ensure the stability of the reforestation efforts.
The company will also implement the 'Imaginary Forest' project, which involves KT&G employees directly participating in forest creation alongside local communities as part of its environmental social contribution program.
In November 2024, KT&G established the 'KT&G Imaginary Forest' in Uljin, Gyeongbuk, an area that suffered significant damage from a major wildfire in 2022. The company has previously conducted similar forest creation projects in Daegwallyeong, Gangwon, and Bonghwa, Gyeongbuk, continuing its forest restoration activities.
KT&G is also expanding its collaboration with AFoCO. In December 2024, the two organizations signed an MOU to promote sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation. They agreed to jointly pursue projects focused on forest conservation, restoration, carbon absorption, and biodiversity protection.
Through this agreement, KT&G aims to establish a public-private partnership model for forest restoration involving corporations, government agencies, and international organizations.
Lee Sang-hak, Senior Vice President of KT&G, stated, “We will continue to strive to contribute to the sustainable development of domestic forest ecosystems and the practical implementation of ESG management.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.