A study on the ecotourism cooperation using the forest cultural heritage in South and North Korea - Focusing on the Geumgangsan Yusan-gi (Geumgang mountain travels)

Abstract

Forest restoration and ecological protection in North Korea require a variety of approaches.<br /> This research focuses on the Geumgangsan Yusan-gi, a shared forest cultural heritage between the two Koreas, to find ways to collaborate with ecotourism.<br /> Is ecotourism a novel approach to Inter-Korean forest cooperation?<br /> What are the advantages and prospects of working together on ecotourism projects centered on the Geumgangsan Yusan-gi?<br /> To achieve the study's goal, North Korean literature data were reviewed and analyzed, and value models for ecotourism cooperation were investigated using content analysis of the Geumgangsan Yusan-gi.<br /> Inter-Korean forest cooperation has primarily focused on planting and management to prevent forest devastation in North Korea.<br /> Forest cooperation needs to develop into a scalable project that connects peace and tourism.<br /> Ecotourism has the potential to be a new model for inter-Korean forest cooperation.<br /> First, ecotourism cooperation pursues reciprocity.<br /> Second, ecotourism is a sustainable project different from one-time support.<br /> Third, ecotourism can be backed by the international community and promoted readily in the face of North Korean sanctions.<br /> Fourth, the ecotourism cooperation project is in line with the Kim Jong-un administration's current tourism policy.<br /> Fifth, the inter-Korean collaboration project based on the two Koreas' shared forest cultural legacy is a unique initiative rooted in Korea's history and tradition.<br /> The Geumgangsan Yusan-gi can promote ecotourism cooperation, such as joint inter-Korean investigation and program development and operation.<br /> To become a reality rather than a pipe dream, this proposal must overcome some obstacles, including the US and international community sanctions against North Korea.<br /> Civil society organizations, such as forests and environmental organizations, play an important role in peace initiatives such as ecotourism and forest cooperation.

Keywords: Deforestation and forest degradation, Biodiversity conservation, Education, Human health and well-being, Sustainable forest management

ID: 3622982