Jeju Island is creating a “semi-mangrove forest” using native plants such as Hibiscus hirtus and beach wild jujube. Jeju announced on the 16th that it plans to invest 4.5 billion won by 2029 to create a semi-mangrove forest covering 140 hectares. “Mangrove” refers to plants that grow in the wetlands of tropical and subtropical beaches or estuaries. These plants can be submerged or exposed depending on the tide and have a carbon storage capacity 3-5 times greater than ordinary forests.
In Jeju, there are semi-mangrove species with similar characteristics to mangroves, such as Hibiscus hirtus and beach wild jujube. Starting in Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo City, which is the largest natural habitat for Hibiscus hirtus in Korea, the semi-mangrove forest will be expanded step-by-step to regions like Gujwa, Namwon, Hallim, and Daejeong. If the planned 140 hectares are successfully established, it is expected to absorb 296 tons of carbon dioxide annually.
For this project, the National Institute of Forest Science’s Warm Temperate and Subtropical Forest Research Center in Jeju has been conducting research since 2022 titled “Mangrove Adaptability Verification and Base Building for Expanding Carbon Sinks in Insular Coastal Areas.” In May last year, Jeju also joined the International Mangrove Alliance (MAC) to enhance international research cooperation.
In order to ensure the successful execution of this project, a forum titled “Exploring the Future of Carbon Sinks in the Forestry Sector” is set to take place at 2 p.m. on the 18th at Mangrove City in Tapdong, Jeju City. Furthermore, on the 21st, ahead of the 80th Arbor Day, a large-scale Hibiscus hirtus planting event will be held in Seongsan-eup. Students from Dongnam Elementary and Seongsan Middle School, along with local residents, are expected to plant 2,035 Hibiscus hirtus trees. The number 2,035 represents the target year for Jeju’s “2035 Carbon Neutral” policy.
Kang Ae-sook, Director of Jeju’s Climate and Environment Bureau, explained, “The creation of a semi-mangrove forest is an innovative policy to expand carbon sinks by utilizing Jeju’s unique natural resources to respond to climate change.”