On the occasion of Desertification and Drought Day 17 June, the Economics of Land Degradation (ELD) Initiative is proud to launch its 15th Anniversary Publication, marking fifteen years of advancing the economics of land degradation and sustainable land management worldwide.
Since its establishment in 2011, ELD has worked to make the values of land count in decision-making by translating scientific evidence into practical insights for policymakers, investors, practitioners, and communities. Through pioneering research, innovative methodologies, country studies, and policy engagement, the Initiative has contributed to strengthening global understanding of the economic costs of land degradation and the benefits of sustainable land management and restoration.
The anniversary publication reflects on this journey, highlighting key milestones, achievements, partnerships, and impacts that have shaped ELD over the past fifteen years. From its early efforts to establish a global evidence base on land degradation to its more recent work on nature finance, Rio Convention synergies, and integrated land-use approaches, the publication showcases how ELD has evolved alongside the international sustainability agenda.
A central feature of the publication is a collection of guest contributions from distinguished experts and leading voices representing academia, international organizations, government, civil society, and the private sector. Together, these perspectives explore the future of the economics for land and reflect on the role that land can play in addressing some of today's most pressing challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, food insecurity, and ecosystem degradation.
The publication also celebrates the people and partnerships behind ELD's success. As a network-driven initiative, ELD has thrived through the contributions of countless researchers, policymakers, practitioners, partner institutions, and supporters who have helped advance the shared goal of making the values of land visible in decision-making processes around the world.
As global attention increasingly turns towards restoration, resilience, and sustainable development, the need to recognize the full value of land has never been greater. The anniversary publication therefore not only looks back at fifteen years of progress but also looks ahead to the opportunities that lie ahead.
Together, we continue the journey – from degradation to opportunity.
The ELD Initiative extends its sincere gratitude to all contributors, partners, and supporters who have accompanied this journey and helped transform knowledge into action.
>> Read the publication here <<
With contributions from (in alphabetical order)
- Mariam Akthar-Schuster (German Aerospace Center)
- Louise Baker (Global Mechanism of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification)
- Benedikt Bösel (Gut&Bösel)
- Business4Land Initiative
- Robert Costanza (University College London)
- Willem Ferwerda (Commonland)
- Yasmine Fouad (UN Convention to Combat Desertification)
- Government of Mongolia
- Tanja Havemann (Clarmondial)
- Ida Kubiszewski (University College London)
- Nady Mahmoud (Climate High-Level Champions, UNCCD COP16th Presidency)
- Alisher Mirzabaev (International Rice Research Institute)
- Gautier Quéru (Mirova)
- Lindsay C Stringer MBE (University of York)
- Richard Thomas (Independent Consultant)
- Eliane Ubalijoro (Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry)
- Zubaida Umar Baba (New Wortley Community Centre)