New initiative to put Earth observation data in the hands of decision makers to fight land degradation

Kyoto, Japan –  The new Land Degradation Neutrality Initiative (GEO LDN Initiative), launched during the Group on Earth Observations Week 2018, will bring together Earth observation data providers and governments to develop quality standards, analytical tools and capacity building needed to strengthen land degradation monitoring and reporting, using remote sensing and data collected on site. At the touch of a button, governments will have the necessary data to prioritize interventions and monitor outcomes to manage land better.

The GEO LDN Initiative responds to a call made by the UNCCD’s Conference of the Parties (COP13) to bring data providers and data users together and support global efforts to avoid, reduce and reverse land degradation globally. 

Welcoming the Initiative, UNCCD Executive Secretary Ms. Monique Barbut said: “Land degradation is an existential crisis. Until now, monitoring it in real time felt like an insurmountable challenge. No longer. With Earth observation datasets and the practical tools to use them readily available, decision-makers and land users will have immediate and actionable information to scale up sustainable land management and planning. It is a first step to boosting our resilience.”

Following the announcement, Germany pledged an initial contribution of EUR100,000 (USD113,000) for the GEO LDN Initiative.

Read more:

• Full press release
• Achieving land degradation neutrality