ИСТИНА

Drylands are among the most vulnerable ecosystems in the world. The majority of modern deserts are drylands degraded in the past. Key messages: • LDN is a new paradigm reflecting the cross-linked aspirations and demands of land-related SDG • LDN is politically sounding and attractive, it has a good background to be economically evaluated • LDN is a part of “Land-based approach” and might be considered as an operational platform for overlapping issues of 3 Rio conventions • LDN state can serve as a SLM target and overall criteria at different levels (local, subnational, national) • Spatial and temporal changes in land cover are measurable by indicators of land quality balance • LDN is not equally measured and is a site-specific (national-specific) matter, although global indicators of land quality can be considered as common platform for coordination • LDN concept needs advanced scientific development In practical terms the LDN concept is clear enough: SLM actions should not allow reducing the existing balance between “not yet degraded” and “already degraded” lands with persistent desire for the restoration of the last. Thus, the LDN can be considered as a practical tool to balance processes of land degradation and restoration/rehabilitation/ recovering at global, regional, national and local levels. Definition: Land Degradation Neutrality is a state whereby the amount and quality of land resources, necessary to support ecosystem functions and services and enhance food security, remains stable or increases within specified temporal and spatial scales, and ecosystems.