(UNCCD) has capitalized on its work to frame land degradation neutrality (LDN), the concept that aims to reach a sustainable balance between the degradation, sustainable management and restoration of land worldwide. This approach has been endorsed in the global goals for sustainable development as target 15.3. This is a potentially “game changing” move. LDN is becoming the organizing principle for the UNCCD and all countries have been invited to establish voluntary LDN targets. At the same time, the role of land management in the adaptation and mitigation of climate change has also been recognized.
However, this needs to be seen in the context of the challenges the world faces. In early 2016 devastating droughts have caused havoc and severe food insecurity in many regions. Land degradation is being recognized as a root cause of poverty and social instability often leading to distressed migration and even conflict as a result of resource scarcity. The challenges are becoming all too real and all too commonplace. Urgent action is needed.
In the coming biennium, UNCCD country Parties, partners and stakeholders are moving to rapidly scale up
measures that can support the achievement of land degradation neutrality and build the resilience of the
environment and communities to many of the challenges we face. In this brochure, we have set out our plans to
support Parties start to achieve their bold ambitions.