The main causes of forest and land degradation in the country include deforestation, inappropriate agricultural practices, forest fires, over-grazing and demographic pressures. A survey conducted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) reported that the annual deforestation rate between 2003 and 2010 had been 1.73 per cent. If this alarming trend were to persist, 17.3 per cent of the forest in the country would disappear by 2021 and all forests in Timor-Leste by 2071.

“In view of the importance of Korea-UNV cooperation, our government has decided to increase the UNV contribution from US $1.96 million to US $3.15 million and expects to continue our budget contribution in the future,” said Mr Lee Jang-keun, Director General of the International Organizations Bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “Based on the increase in our contribution, we plan to double the number of UN Volunteer specialists and UN Youth Volunteers fully funded by Korea.”

Today’s dialogue expands the current collaboration – specifically in support of peacebuilding and climate action, two key priority areas for Korea.

“In view of the importance of Korea-UNV cooperation, our government has decided to increase the UNV contribution from US $1.96 million to US $3.15 million and expects to continue our budget contribution in the future,” said Mr Lee Jang-keun, Director General of the International Organizations Bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “Based on the increase in our contribution, we plan to double the number of UN Volunteer specialists and UN Youth Volunteers fully funded by Korea.”