The Scientific Conceptual Framework for Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) provides a scientific foundation for understanding, implementing and monitoring LDN. It has been designed to create a bridge between the vision and the practical implementation of LDN, by defining LDN in operational terms. The conceptual framework is a product of the UNCCD Science-Policy Interface. Pursuit of LDN requires effort to avoid further net loss of the land-based natural capital relative to a reference state, or baseline.

The concern for the well-being of land is often directly related to one’s proximity to the land, be it physically, economically or culturally. Land is more precious if one’s livelihood depend on it immediately than if one is merely a visitor. Land is valued differently if it is the base of one’s power or wealth than if one’s community is in need of its integrity and depends on the ecosystem services (ESS) that it provides. To some extent, this may explain the great challenge UNCCD has experienced in mustering international support for its mandate.

This profile provides an overview of climate risk issues in Azerbaijan, including how climate change will potentially impact agriculture, water resources, human health, tourism, and coastal resources and infrastructure. The brief includes an overview and climate summary of Azerbaijan, as well as projected climate changes. Also included is information on sector impacts and vulnerabilities to climate change, the policy context and information regarding ongoing climate change projects in Azerbaijan.

The article is an interview to Claudio Zucca, ICARDA Soil Conservation and Land Management Specialist, on the relevance of dryland waters.

This chapter sets out to present a short review of (i) the general context of land degradation under the framework of UNCCD – the international convention on desertification with a specific focus on Land Degradation Neutrality, and (ii) examples of the main processes responsible for soil degradation (e.g. surface crusting, runoff and water erosion, tillage erosion, wind erosion, and salinization), along with the principles of desertification control and land rehabilitation, in light of the socioeconomic context and ecological conditions and processes.

States of ecological maturity and temporal trends of drylands in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia north of 28 N are reported for 1998–2008. The input data were Normalized Difference Vegetation Index databases and corresponding climate fields, at a spatial resolution of 1 km and a temporal resolution of one month. States convey opposing dynamics of human exploitation and ecological succession. They were identified synchronically for the full period by comparing each location to all other locations in the study area under equivalent aridity.

Land resources are one of nature’s most precious gifts. They feed us and help our societies and economies to thrive. Land resources are one of nature’s most precious gifts. They feed us and help our societies and economies to thrive. Some 2.5 billion agricultural smallholders worldwide manage around 500 million small farms, providing more than 80 per cent of food consumed in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. These resources are being degraded at an alarming pace.

Land is front and center of the sustainable
development and climate change debates. A
goal dedicated to Land Degradation Neutrality
(LDN) (see Box 1) was endorsed in 2015 by the
United Nations (UN) General Assembly as part
of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
2015–2030 framework, following on from the
UN’s Millennium Development Goals of 2000
(UN General Assembly, 2015). SDG 15 aims to
“protect, restore and promote sustainable use
of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage

Agenda of the Closing workshop on 'the assessment of the economics of land degradation in Central Asia' project, on 28-29 November 2016

Policy recommendations on sustainable land management in Uzbekistan, including costs and benefits of alternative options. Conclusion: Diversifying agricultural production, retaining biomass in the field, and planting strips of forest can lead to economic and environmental benefits.

Policy recommendations on sustainable land management in Tajikistan, including costs and benefits of alternative options. Conclusion: Implementing no-till technology and intensifying gardening productivity creates economic benefits while reducing land degradation.

Land degradation is a pressing concern that reaches
across all republics of Central Asia and is increasingly
affecting the economy and quality of life in each.
The resulting loss of arable land particularly affects
the rural poor, who depend directly on what
the land can provide for their very survival and
livelihoods. The breakup of the Soviet Union led to
mass de-collectivisation of agricultural frameworks
across Central Asia, with formerly centralised land
management regimes dissolved. The reorganisation