Abstract

Considering the high needs of recipient countries and the regional biases of Korean Official Development Assistance (ODA) policy, increases in the total amount of ODA and allocation to the forest sector are needed for Central Asia. In Tajikistan, illegal harvesting and grazing cause a gradual decrease in forest area. The Tajikistan government conserves forests by requesting international cooperation and establishing a policy for sustainable management of forest resources and prevention of further damages. To suggest suitable strategies and plans, the current statuses of forests and forestry were investigated, and ODA projects that can illustrate successful Korean experiences of forestation were conceived based on various geographical features and local conditions of Tajikistan in this study. Forest resource creation type projects (fuelwood and Tugai forest restoration) could result in energy independence and enhancement of ecosystem service such as a climate regulation and an increase in biodiversity. Community development type projects (introduction of ecotourism, agroforestry, and planting of fruit trees) can contribute to job creation and encourage participation of local residents, thus improving their incomes. In addition, establishment of a project foundation, including education, training, and a national forest inventory, would help those projects be sustainable in the long-term.

Keywords

• Forest;
• Forest conservation;
• ODA;
• Tajikistan