Land for Life Programme

Desertification and land degradation affect over three billion people worldwide. Up to 40 per cent of our land is already degraded, with dire consequences for climate, biodiversity and livelihoods.

We need to restore 1.5 billion hectares of land by 2030 to achieve a land-degradation-neutral world. Reclaiming degraded land drives transition to green economy, creates new jobs, improves health, delivers food security and supports sustainable development. The Land for Life Programme was launched at UNCCD COP10 in Changwon, Republic of Korea in 2011, as part of the Changwon Initiative to showcase solutions to the challenges of desertification.

To demonstrate that Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) is both necessary and achievable, the Programme focuses on awareness-raising and knowledge sharing. By presenting the Land for Life Award, it has given global recognition to individuals and organizations whose initiatives significantly advance sustainable land management (SLM).

These initiatives take many forms – from advancing policy and driving innovation to supporting SLM practices, educational programmes and awareness campaigns that bring together diverse stakeholders – citizens, farmers, political leaders, businesses, scientists and the media. 

The activities under the Programme that showcase the importance of land in our lives and its role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals include the following:

• Promoting LDN
• Highlighting SLM success stories and achievements of Land for Life Award winners
• Implementing public outreach activities such as UNCCD Goodwill and Land Ambassadors and Land Heroes

The Programme has been generously supported by the contributions from the Elion Foundation and the Changwon Initiative.