A survey report conducted by the Forest Development Department, Forestry Agency in FY2024, analyzing factors affecting the implementation of reforestation in domestic artificial forests and organizing challenges for improving reforestation rates.
This survey conducted detailed analysis of post-clear-cutting reforestation implementation status in national artificial forests by region, tree species, and ownership type, comprehensively examining factors hindering reforestation progress. Survey results confirmed that main hindering factors include declining timber prices, rising reforestation costs, aging and declining forestry workers, and reduced management motivation among owners.
Regional analysis revealed that reforestation rates in mountainous and hilly areas are significantly lower than in flatland areas, with reforestation implementation rates falling below 30% in areas with steep slopes and remote locations. By tree species, while cedar reforestation rates are relatively high, significant regional disparities exist for hinoki cypress and larch.
By ownership type, while planned reforestation is implemented in national and public forests, reforestation has stagnated in private forests due to owner aging and lack of successors. Particularly in small-scale private forests, many cases abandon reforestation due to large economic burdens, becoming a factor in increasing unreforested areas.
Recommendations for problem resolution include reducing reforestation costs, stabilizing timber prices, enhancing technical support systems, and strengthening management support for owners. Additionally, the importance of promoting the introduction of labor-saving and cost-reduction technologies such as integrated operation systems, low-density planting techniques, and fast-growing tree utilization is indicated.
The article concludes that comprehensive approaches from both technical measures and institutional support are necessary for improving reforestation rates, presenting concrete measures for realizing sustainable forest management.