The Center for the Development of Sustainable Forest Management Instruments (PUSTARHUT) participated in the Eleventh Session of the Assembly of the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO), which took place on March 5–7, 2024, in Seoul, Republic of Korea. As part of the Indonesian delegation led by the Director of the Center for International Cooperation of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (MoEF), PUSTARHUT expressed support for the initiative to develop a Mangrove Exhibition as part of the ASEAN-Korea Forest Cooperation.

This session was officially opened by Mr. Lee Hyeon Uk, Chair of the Eleventh Session of the Assembly of AFoCO and Director General of the Korea Forest Service (KFS). In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of strengthening collaborative efforts to address climate change through forest-based approaches, including the sustainable management of forest resources and the development of social forestry.

PUSTARHUT’s involvement in the session was marked by its support for Indonesia’s proposal to develop a Mangrove Exhibition. The initiative aims to promote knowledge exchange, raise public awareness, and strengthen regional collaboration on mangrove ecosystem conservation, which aligns with Indonesia’s commitment to achieving its FOLU Net Sink 2030 target.

The proposed Mangrove Exhibition will serve as a platform to showcase best practices, research, and technological innovations in mangrove restoration and management across ASEAN countries and Korea. The exhibition is expected to be a part of a broader effort to enhance public understanding and stakeholder engagement in the conservation of coastal and marine ecosystems.

During the session, AFoCO member countries also shared updates on national programs, ongoing projects, and future collaboration plans under the organization’s framework. The Indonesian delegation took the opportunity to highlight its key initiatives, including community-based forest management, forest fire control strategies, and the implementation of standards in forest resource development.

Through this participation, PUSTARHUT reinforces its role in regional forest diplomacy and its dedication to strengthening cooperation in sustainable forest management and environmental protection in the Asia-Pacific region.