March 28, 2024
Analysis

How North Korea has waged ‘a war to improve nature’

Reforestation drive to create ‘treasure and gold mountains’ seems to be working

While many analysts and policymakers are focused on Pyongyang’s nuclear development program, an unlikely environmentalist initiative has taken place in Kim Jong Un’s North Korea — “a war to improve nature.”

In the last six years, the North Korean government has focused on combating deforestation in its mountainous terrain with some success. It has advocated creating a landscape of “treasure and gold mountains” covered in thickly wooded forests within the next decade. 

Become a member for less than $4 per week.

  • Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis
  • The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in the loop
  • Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns
  • Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting
Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting, investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts.
Subscribe now

All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time.