Korean Air’s 20-Year Afforestation Project in Baganuur, Mongolia Resumes with New Recruits

Published on May 28, 2024

Korean Air marked the 20th anniversary of its “Korean Air Forest” initiative in Baganuur, Mongolia. The reforestation effort, designed to combat desertification, has restarted following a four-year pause caused by the pandemic.

A ceremony was held on May 28 in Baganuur, Ulaanbaatar, to commemorate the anniversary. “We started planting trees here 20 years ago, and both Korea and Mongolia have been steadily cultivating the Korean Air Forest together,” said Sumiya Davaasüren, the governor of Baganuur District. “I would like to thank the Korean Air team and all participants in the project on behalf of Baganuur for creating a forest to prevent desertification and the spread of yellow dust.” Davaasüren also presented Korean Air with a plaque of appreciation and took pictures with local residents and employees who participated in this year’s planting event.

Since its inception in 2004, annually, a contingent of 100 to 200 airline staff participates in Korean Air’s afforestation endeavor known as the Korean Air Forest. This initiative was temporarily put on hold in 2020 due to pandemic restrictions, during which local forestry experts and residents tended to the forest.

This year, 112 volunteers from the airline, including new recruits, resumed planting activities for a two-week period starting on May 20th.

Situated 130 kilometers from Ulaanbaatar, Baganuur District spans about 31 square kilometers and is a major coal mining area meeting around 60% of Mongolia’s coal needs. Prior to tree planting, dust from open-pit mines affected nearby villages. Recognizing the importance of afforestation, Korean Air began planting trees with the goal of covering 44 hectares, equivalent to about 82 football fields.

Presently, the Korean Air Forest boasts over 125,300 trees representing 12 species, including poplars, Siberian elms, sea buckthorn, and willows, all suited to harsh conditions. In 2019, an automated watering system was implemented, ensuring optimal growth conditions. Consequently, the trees have seen a remarkable 95% growth rate, with the tallest tree reaching 12 meters.

Spanning 2 kilometers in length and 222 meters in width, the forest serves as a natural barrier against dust and debris from nearby coal mines. Moreover, the ecosystem is rebounding, welcoming various wildlife such as insects, skylarks, rabbits, and foxes that now call the Korean Air Forest home. Additionally, it serves as a venue for local students’ outings and educational trips.

Korean Air actively contributes to the Mongolian community by donating computer labs to seven schools in the area and providing medical support in collaboration with Inha University Hospital.

In 2006, Baganuur District was lauded by the Mongolian government as a model city for green space development, with the Korean Air Forest recognized as an exemplary eco-friendly volunteer project. In 2009, Korean Air was honored with the Medal of Excellence by the Mongolian Ministry of Environment and Tourism for its contributions.