Reforestation has been a key national priority in the DPRK, aimed at addressing deforestation, mitigating environmental degradation, and improving the country’s ecological balance. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the nationwide afforestation campaign initiated under the leadership of Kim Jong Un, who outlined the strategy in his 2015 work, “Let the Entire Party, Army, and People Launch a Vigorous Campaign for Reforestation to Cover the Mountains of the Country with Green Forests.” This directive has guided efforts to restore and protect the country’s forests.
Kim Jong Un has continuously emphasized the importance of forest restoration, personally overseeing projects and encouraging nationwide participation in tree-planting initiatives. In March 2022, he personally planted two fir trees on Hwaseong Hill, underscoring the significance of afforestation not only as an environmental measure but also as an expression of patriotism and commitment to the future.
Deforestation had long been a challenge due to various factors, including excessive logging and natural disasters. In response, the government launched an extensive forest restoration campaign a decade ago, emphasizing the importance of rehabilitating degraded lands and preventing soil erosion. Tree planting has been widely encouraged as a means of protecting the environment, improving air quality, and contributing to agricultural productivity by stabilizing water cycles.
Over the past ten years, more than one million hectares of forests have been rehabilitated through a combination of state-led projects and community-driven efforts. Advanced nurseries have been established in provinces such as Kangwon and North Hamgyong to facilitate large-scale seedling production. These nurseries are equipped with modernized, automated systems to improve efficiency and reduce labor demands, ensuring the steady supply of high-quality saplings.
Additionally, research institutions dedicated to forestry have been set up or upgraded to focus on sustainable forest management. Scientific advancements have helped optimize afforestation techniques, making tree planting more effective and tailored to regional climatic conditions. Provincial and municipal nurseries have expanded their production capacities, increasing the national sapling output by 1.5 times compared to a decade ago.
Efforts to protect and maintain forests have led to the designation of many areas as “Socialist Patriot Forests,” reflecting a commitment to conservation and long-term environmental health. These efforts not only support biodiversity but also enhance the quality of life for citizens by providing cleaner air, stabilizing soil, and contributing to flood prevention.
Through continued reforestation and environmental conservation measures, the DPRK is striving to restore its natural landscapes and create a greener, more sustainable future. The expansion of forested areas stands as a testament to the country’s decade-long commitment to ecological preservation and resource management.
