Act on the Sustainable Use of Timbers.

The purpose of this Act is to cope with climate change and to contribute to improving the quality of life for people and the sound development of the national economy by increasing the carbon sinking function and other diverse functions of timber and using the timber in a sustainable manner. The basic philosophy of this Act is, recognizing that the creation of a pleasant living environment and increase of carbon storage through the use of timber are essential factors in promoting national health, enjoying a cultural lifestyle, and coping with climate change, to enable the realization of the sustainable use of timber and, at the same time, to pass the use of timber on to future generations through the promotion of timber culture and vitalization of timber education. The State and local governments shall endeavor to promote the sustainable use of timber by establishing and implementing measures necessary for the promotion of timber culture, vitalization of timber education, and systematic and stable supply of timber products.
For the sustainable use of timber, the Minister of the Korea Forest Service shall establish and implement a comprehensive plan for sustainable use of timber every five years. This plan shall include the following issues: Current status, prospect of the supply and distribution of timber; Plans for the promotion of timber culture and vitalization of timber education; Short- and long-term plans for the supply of and demand for timber and timber products; Mid- and long-term investment plans for nurturing the timber market and the timber industry; Plans for promoting sustainable use of timber; Research and development projects for strengthening the competitiveness of the timber industry; Programmes for promoting technical training and training of specialists relating to the timber industry; Plans for the vitalization of supply and use of domestic timber, etc. In order to invigorate the sustainable use of timber, a committee on sustainable use of timber shall be established.