Summary/Abstract
The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity initiated this study with the Korea Forest Service on the potential of public programs with socio-economic and development objectives to contribute to large-scale biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration, and how biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration can contribute to poverty alleviation and development.
This case study first examines the drivers of forest degradation within the historical, economic, social, and administrative contexts of the Republic of Korea (ROK). It then describes the background, methodology, and implementation processes which led to the success of the National Reforestation Programme in the ROK. An analysis of the key factors which contributed to this success story may be useful to other nations with similar objectives, who can learn from the Korean model and adapt it to their own needs.