Since September 2015, the Asia-Pacific Association of Forestry Research Institutions (APAFRI) is chaired by a true forest genetic resources enthusiast, Dr Jung-Hwan Park who is the Director of the Department of Forest Genetic Resources at Korea’s National Institute of Forest Science (NIFOS). In this interview, he shared with us some of Korea’s successes in forest genetic resources research and conservation, and his vision for transforming APAFRI to an even more impactful regional organization.
Q: Can you tell us about some of the latest research that your team at NIFOS is working on?
JHP: NIFoS has been conducting tree improvement projects on major tree species since its establishment has made substantial progresses. We have now successfully established second generation seed orchard for Korean Red Pine (Pinus densiflora). At present, our interests are more focused on developing Marker Informed Breeding (MIB) technologies and biotechnologies for some of major timber tree species with the aim to shorten the breeding time and improve the breeding efficiency. For this goal, as well as for the assessment of the genetic diversity of forest tree spices of conservation concern, NIFoS has been developing Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) -based molecular markers. In addition, NIFoS has conducted research on developing technologies to select appropriate genetic materials for the restoration of degraded forest ecosystems and breeding new varieties of non-timber tree species, such as fruits, nuts and medicinal plants.
Q: Conservation and management of forest genetic resources (FGR) often suffers from limited integration with broader forestry and natural resource management issues. How is Korea doing in terms of integrating FGR considerations in forestry and other sectors? What are some of the approaches that have worked well? Any challenges that remain?
JHP: The Korea Forest Service integrates FGR conservation needs in the national frameworks for sustainable forest management. FGR conservation actions such as expanding FGR in situ conservation areas and promoting the establishment of ex situ conservation systems are included in the National Action Plans for the Sustainable Forest Management of the Republic of Korea. Both in situ and ex situ conservation have their own short- and long-term targets, and the implementation of the targets is reviewed annually. In the meantime, the Korea Forest Service has been developing and reinforcing national seed programs to ensure the availability of genetically improved forest tree seeds needed for national plantation (afforestation) programs.
Q. What plans do you have for your term as APAFRI Chair?
JHP: Since 1995, APAFRI has largely been contributing to the development of forest science throughout the Asia-Pacific region through its extensive network. It is very clear, however, that APAFRI should endeavour to invite more scientists, policy makers, and relevant stakeholder to its network that can facilitate effective cooperation among these different types of stakeholders. By utilizing the network, we can address global forest agenda altogether to find some resolution at regional level, and at global level as well. It is therefore essential for APAFRI to provide a variety of opportunities for capacity building and for more extensive research cooperation to achieve the goal. In this sense, APAFRI may consider to establish a Program of Developing Capacity for Forest Landscape Restoration, for example. The program may serve as a platform for developing Asia-Pacific region’s overall capacity, by securing stable funds and supporting relevant projects. I would like to highlight that the first IUFRO Asia-Oceania Regional Congress - will be held in Beijing this year, 24-26 October 2016. This can be another good opportunity for us to strengthen the scientific network. I hope as many scientists as possible can participate in this important mega-event to share their recent views on global and regional forest agenda.
APFORGEN Secretariat would like thank Dr. Jung-Hwan Park for sharing with us his vision for transforming APAFRI.
