Land Degradation Neutrality as a tangible vision for our landscapes

Land is the foundation of life. Humanity cannot survive without it.

Land sustains us by offering soil and space to grow food, to filter drinking water, and to generate a continuous supply of oxygen through the trees rooted in it. Land connects humans with each other and to other life forms through the stability it offers. Without healthy land, and the plants and animals it supports, we would be isolated, grow weak, and even be afflicted.

How can we—in good conscience—squander this precious asset? The future we want cannot be lived solely in a technological bubble.

Turning dreamscapes into landscapes

Land is made up of so many elements – soil, water, biodiversity, etc. –but our abuse of this finite resource is putting our existence on the line. There are ways to help the Earth regenerate, and by consciously managing and restoring land for future generations, we can assist in the re-balancing that we desperately need.

Imagine living in such a way as to be of service to the land. In this vision, composting, reusing, and recycling are a daily part of life. The health of soil is a priority that supports the provision of nutritious food. Communities and landscapes harvest water and harness the power of the sun and wind, establishing a partnership with nature where human beings and ecosystems can thrive.

The greatest part of this vision is that it is actually possible to turn it into a reality. We can do this, as well as create markets that are fruitful with employment that has meaning, value, and is inspirational. There are infinite ways we can reimagine and repurpose our societies.

The composite parts of a holistic vision

We all have a role to play to make this happen, action items that we can push forward from our particular corner of the world. So, let’s work together to protect and restore this precious resource — let’s be creative and passionate for our landscapes.

Sasha Alexander is a Policy Officer for the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.

Top photo from Didier Baertschiger on Flickr.