Desertification, accelerated by global warming and environmental disruption, has risen to be one of the heaviest burdens for humanity over the past few decades.

According to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, an area 1.2 times the size of South Korea is turning into desert every year, causing some $42 billion in damage.

The impact is especially conspicuous in developing countries, which are heavily reliant on primary industries such as agriculture and fisheries.

Korea is one of the few countries in the world to have restored its forests from post-war devastation in the 20th century, according to the Korea Forest Service.

“Such a unique experience is encouraging other countries to study our case and to ask for our cooperation,” said a KFS official.

This is especially the case for neighboring China, which has been suffering from rapid desertification, a side effect of its industrialization and economic growth policies.

The KFS is also to host global forum Land Degradation Neutral World in Seoul this week to discuss anti-desertification and to promote sustainable land preservation, officials said.

“Korea has come to be one of the key member states in the international climate and environment forum, as well as the headquarters for the UN’s Green Climate Fund,” the official said.

“Our contribution has thus moved beyond the simple stage of planting trees or offering financial support. We are to seek more fundamental solutions by taking the initiative in the expert arena.”

By Bae Hyun-jung (tellme@heraldcorp.com)