Lim Sang-seop, the minister of the Korea Forest Service, announced the establishment of the REDD+ Cooperation Center during its opening ceremony in Vientiane, Laos. This new organization aims to enhance collaboration between South Korea and Laos in the fight against deforestation and to promote sustainable forest management. The center is grounded in the REDD+ Act, a framework adopted by the UN in February to implement and monitor programs that conserve forests and reduce carbon emissions. The REDD+ Cooperation Center will be co-directed by officials from both countries to facilitate effective communication and cooperation. Its primary goal is to support initiatives that reduce greenhouse gas emissions through sustainable practices in forestry. Minister Lim emphasized the growing importance of forests not only in addressing climate change but also as vital carbon sinks, committing the Korea Forest Service to actively contribute to the Nationally Determined Contributions of both nations through these programs.