Economics of Land Degradation Initiative: Report for policy and decision makers_ Reaping economic and environmental benefits from sustainable land management

Stacey Noel, Friederike Mikulcak, Hannes Etter, Naomi Stewart. (15/6/2015). Economics of Land Degradation Initiative: Report for policy and decision makers_ Reaping economic and environmental benefits from sustainable land management. Bonn, Germany: ELD Initiative and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.

Abstract

This report provides evidence of how increasingly scarce resources can be conserved, and also presents tools for policy-/decision-makers to promote and secure future wealth and human wellbeing through sustainable land management. It emphasises taking long-term benefits into account and focuses on practical solutions, as well as the context in which sustainable land management occurs. The report aims to ensure the returns of sustainable land management (e.g., economic growth, food security, sustainable livelihoods and reduced conflict over natural resources) are realised through the use of robust economic valuation methodologies. The report also highlights that sustainable land management provides additional benefits at the national level through obligations under other multilateral environmental agreements, such as the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), e.g., through achieving land degradation neutrality, the UNFCCC, and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).