Assessment of LDN achievements requires monitoring SOC change as one of the three global LDN indicators. However, limited data often hinders SOC monitoring, suggesting the need to invest in such an assessment. Yet, how do you know if an investment is necessary? To assist in this decision-making process, decision tree 1 provides guidance on where investment in SOC assessment and monitoring are recommended, to track the impact of SLM implementation and to support monitoring of LDN achievement in terms of SOC change in 2030. Decision tree 1 guides selection of SLM practices to increase or maintain SOC stocks and deliver other benefits, using information ranging from local knowledge to global datasets. The first step involves the evaluation of land health, which includes an assessment of land potential and land degradation status, which are preparatory steps of LDN planning.

• Framework to manange SOC fo LDN