Suwon Establishes Climate Response Urban Forest in Youngtong District...Gyeonggi Province Secures 4.7 Billion Won in Government Funds

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Park No-hun] Gyeonggi Province has secured 4.7 billion won in government funds for the ‘Climate Response Urban Forest Project’ next year and will additionally establish 9.4 hectares of climate response urban forests in eight locations across the province, including Youngtong District in Suwon.

According to the province on the 17th, the sites selected in the Korea Forest Service competition are: ▲Yui-dong area in Youngtong District, Suwon ▲Yeongdeok-dong area in Giheung District, Yongin ▲Ojeong-dong area in Bucheon ▲Jinjap-eup area in Namyangju ▲Seonggok-dong area in Danwon District, Ansan ▲Poseung-eup area in Pyeongtaek ▲Wollong-myeon area in Paju ▲Jungok-eup area in Yeoncheon County—a total of eight sites across eight cities and counties. These areas will feature dust-blocking forests covering 9.4 hectares to prevent the spread of fine dust from residential areas.

The province will plant approximately 16,920 trees around major fine dust sources such as railway lines and industrial complexes to block their spread into residential areas. By absorbing and adsorbing fine dust through forests and providing clean air, the province expects to achieve an annual reduction effect of 604 tons of fine dust (equivalent to annual fine dust emissions from 223,000 vehicles).

Gyeonggi Province has 8.8 square meters of urban forest per capita in residential areas, which falls short of the national average of 11.5 square meters. The province secures government funds annually to establish fine dust-blocking forests.

Including 7.9 hectares this year, the province has established a total of 55.4 hectares of climate response urban forests since 2019. It continues to increase urban forests in residential areas by establishing tree-lined streets, school forests, and pocket parks.

Seol Jong-jin, director of the Province’s Garden and Industry Division, said, "Through securing government-funded projects such as the annual climate response urban forest project, we will not only purify the air in fine dust vulnerable areas but also mitigate heat island effects, offset carbon, respond to climate crisis, and substantially contribute to improving urban landscapes and enhancing residents’ health through tree planting in residential areas."