The DPRK government has worked hard to protect natural environment in ensuring food security for the local people.

On the occasion of World Day for Combating Desertification and Drought (June 17), KCNA met Kim Kwang Ju, a senior advisor to the Land and Environmental Conservation Exchange Company under the Ministry of Land and Environmental Conservation.

He said:

Many areas of mountains were deforested in the country due to the shortage of food and fuel. Such situation raised it as a pressing demand to apply the method of agro-forestry management to mountain plots.

In Juche 92 (2003), the country began applying the method on trial in Suan County, North Hwanghae Province. The application of the method has helped prevent soil erosion while ensuring the effective use of forest land.

From last year, the country has encouraged co-op farms in different areas to introduce this county's experience.

With application of the method as one of its policies, the government took a measure to open management offices at the Ministry of Land and Environmental Conservation and provincial, city and county people's committees.

Its application has led to creation of some 100,000 hectares of woodland so far.

Meanwhile, the national action program for implementation of the UNCCD is being updated in a far-sighted way.

In this regard, a national workshop will be held in August.