The Rio Olympics, long-awaited for four years, will kick off in August, and two years later, PyeongChang is set to host the Winter Olympics. Taking a look at how the Olympic Games are put together, the process begins with countries actively competing to be chosen as the host country. The real game begins after the final decision is made, with the elected country embarking on a long journey of preparation, building stadiums, infrastructure and so on. Once the game begins, stadiums are filled with athletes competing from around the world and fans cheering, which is the scene that comes to mind when most people think of the Olympics.

The Olympics is to sports what the World Forestry Congress is to the forestry sector. At the 14th WFC in South Africa, the Korea Forest Service expressed its willingness to bid for the upcoming WFC, which will take place in 2021. The Korea Forest Service submitted an official proposal last May and has been drumming up support from member countries of the U.N. Food and Agricultural Organization. With Korea, Italy and Peru competing, the latest session of the FAO Committee on Forestry is perceived as a watershed event for finalizing the host nation of the 15th WFC.


While many may not be aware, the WFC, managed by the UNFAO, has a long history. Since its first session in Rome, Italy, in 1926, each continent has been taking turns to host the event every six years and currently some 160 countries take part, making WFC a big deal in the forestry sector.

There are some notable aspects about the WFC that Korea is pitching for, slated for 2021. The Paris Agreement will go into effect in 2021, and at the session, international organizations will put together strategies, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, to resolve environmental problems.

Rewind half a century and no country would have imagined Korea might be considered a possible host for the WFC, as international organizations and developed countries diagnosed Korea impossible for repair due to prolonged war and poverty. However, with appropriate leadership, active cooperation, and policies prioritizing reforestation, Korea has transformed in to a green country and that transformation has put Korea under the spotlight among countries around the world.

Hence, by hosting the WFC, Korea would be able to share its know-how and experience with countries that wish to carry out reforestation. Also, as an innovative leader in the forestry sector, Korea can revitalize talks and suggest new visions on the educational, cultural and healing fronts. The session will serve not only as a means for Korea to share its skills with developing countries, but also as an opportunity for Korea to boost its status in the international community as a leading green nation.

Once countries bidding for the WFC complete their presentations, the final decision is to be made at the 155th FAO Council slated for the end of this year. Team Korea’s success will depend on how effectively it persuades and gains support from the FAO council, composed of 49 nations. In order to close the deal, the active participation of the Korea Forest Service, government agencies and the public is a must.

By Shin Won-sop, Minister of Korea Forest Service