The ELD Initiative is a global endeavour focused on land degradation and sustainable land management in an economic context.The ELD Initiative aims to provide a methodology for total economic valuation that is both locally applicable and globally relevant, and based on peer-reviewed research and viable economic strategies. Land degradation is a serious global concern, particularly in light of increasing populat ions and a slowing down of crop yield increases. Rectifying this issue will necessitate a trans-disciplinary, multi-faceted approach that integrates sound economic valuations, and can be applied practically to inform decision-makers.