ABSTRACT
Asian dust, also known as yellow dust, has been a public health issue in Korea since at least the 20th century. Coupled with smog, the particulate matter has negative effects on respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological systems, causing diseases, including Parkinson’s. These environmental health issues, among others, are behind the motivation for the Forest of Grace project. From the deserts of Mongolia and northern China, yellow dust is carried eastwards by winds and passes over China, Korea, and Japan, especially in springtime. In addition to mitigating the desertification itself, benefits include windbreaks to slow the wind, which create favourable conditions for soils, crops, livestock, wildlife, and local people. Fruit trees were also chosen to provide economic and community benefits for local livelihoods in Mongolia.
