Background

Healthy land-based ecosystems – forests, drylands, wetlands– are vital to all life on earth. We need a rich land able to produce good food and absorb carbon, forests to prevent erosion and help regulate the climate, and diverse balanced ecosystems to maintain the life on land.

But the use of unsustainable land management techniques, over-cultivation or overgrazing is degrading the land, leading to soil erosion and desertification, and reducing the ability of nature to support life on the planet.

More sustainable ways of growing and consuming food and preserving natural habitats could help us secure our food and water supplies, prevent land degradation, mitigate the effects of drought and protect nature at the same time.

Actions could include:

• Restoring and protecting landscape and forests
• Protecting wildlife and habitats
• Reducing emissions by engaging in sustainable consumption
• Promoting the use of sustainable land management techniques, both traditional and innovative
• Rehabilitating land that has been degraded
• Supporting indigenous groups to protect their communal lands
• Supporting sustainable food growing systems to improve the land and its biodiversity
• Sharing successful strategies and training new generations to develop sustainable solutions
• Campaigning to produce behavioral change