Business4Land

Land resources like soil, water and biodiversity form the foundation of our economies, providing food, water, fuel and raw materials. Yet, up to 40 per cent of the world’s land is already degraded, threatening key economic sectors.

According to the UNCCD’s 2024 financial assessment, 878 billion USD is lost every year due to land degradation, desertification, and drought (DLDD). Addressing these challenges would cost only USD 4.6 trillion, much less than the projected losses.

The UNCCD acknowledges the private sector's role in land degradation but sees it as key to the transition toward sustainable land management. To drive this shift, the Business for Land (B4L) Initiative was launched at the 2024 World Economic Forum.

What is Business for Land (B4L)?

B4L is the UNCCD’s main initiative to engage the private sector in sustainable land and water management. It helps companies manage risks and seize opportunities tied to land degradation and drought. B4L aims to restore 1.5 billion hectares of land by 2030, contributing to Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN), a global commitment to achieve net zero land degradation by 2030.

How does B4L make an impact?

B4L helps businesses understand their risks and impacts related to land degradation. It provides support for reporting, target-setting and transforming value chains. As part of the UNCCD, B4L also advocates for better policies to promote sustainable land management.

B4L’s work is built around three key pillars:

1. Environmental, social and governance (ESG): Promote sustainable practices and set targets for reducing land-related impacts across business operations.
2. Finance: Support the creation of sustainable finance solutions for land restoration and drought resilience.
3. Advocacy: Advocate for policies that foster a business environment conducive to sustainable land and water management.

Private sector engagement

Private companies can join B4L as members to showcase their contributions to sustainable practices, access tools, and help shape the agenda. B4L encourages businesses to submit commitments under one or more of its pillars to address land degradation and drought.

Interested companies can contact b4l [at] unccd.int (B4L[at]unccd.int) or submit this form to join.

Targeted sectors

B4L focuses on sectors with a significant dependency on land and water, including:

• Agriculture
• Textiles
• Forestry
• Mining
• Energy
• Pharmaceuticals
• Construction
• ICT
• Finance and insurance

Each sector faces unique challenges and opportunities in achieving land sustainability and resilience.

Business for Land at COP16

The Business for Land Forum on December 4, part of COP16 Land Day, will bring together business leaders, politicians, and experts to:

• Showcase private sector-led initiatives in sustainable land and water management
• Promote investments in land restoration and drought resilience
• Encourage peer learning and public-private dialogue for land-positive practices

You can join the B4L here.