Healthy land underpins thriving economies, with more than half of global GDP dependent on natural capital. Standing at 51 per cent, the soil’s nutrient cycling provides the largest contribution of the total value of all ecosystem services provided each year. Yet we are depleting this resource at an alarming rate— approximately one million square km of healthy and productive lands are becoming degraded every year. 

These developments present not only serious challenges for our climate, but also create immense social and economic burdens on countries worldwide. Drought, land degradation and desertification are costing the global community an estimated US$ 878 billion every year. Our Desertification and Drought Day factsheet presents key facts and figures on land restoration and its benefits for people and the planet.