Land Degradation Neutrality. Why it matters, how it's done.

Summary

The video script highlights the critical issue of soil degradation and its impact on global food security, emphasizing the need for sustainable land management. It discusses the causes of land degradation, including soil erosion, contamination, and improper irrigation, and stresses the importance of preserving soil as a scarce resource. The script advocates for land degradation neutrality (LDN), showcasing its implementation in countries like Costa Rica and the potential benefits of sustainable practices for farmers and the environment. It concludes with a call for collective action to protect land for future generations.

Takeaways

• 🌾 The importance of soil fertility is highlighted as it is a critical resource for food and wealth, with nearly 90% of soils in some countries being at low to very low fertility levels.
• 🌱 Land degradation is a severe global challenge, affecting soil fertility and the ability to grow food, which is crucial for sustaining a growing world population.
• 🌳 Land is considered natural capital and provides ecosystem services such as water filtration, purification, and carbon sequestration, making it vital for climate change mitigation.
• ⏳ The fragility of fertile land is emphasized, noting that it can take a millennium to form a centimeter of topsoil, yet it can be eroded by human activities in a short time.
• 🌊 The script discusses various causes of land degradation, including soil compaction, contamination, deforestation, overgrazing, and improper irrigation leading to salinization.
• 💧 The loss of soil productivity due to degradation affects not only agriculture but also the livelihoods of those dependent on the land for their survival.
• 🔄 The concept of Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) is introduced as a goal to prevent land loss and ensure no net loss of land quality through careful planning and restoration.
• 📈 Investment in sustainable land management is presented as a cost-effective strategy that yields significant economic and environmental benefits, including improved harvests and water yields.
• 🌐 The script points out that land degradation is a global issue, affecting both developing and industrialized nations, and requires international cooperation and commitment.
• 🌱 The role of sustainable soil management practices, such as crop rotation, green manure, and terracing, is underscored as essential for maintaining soil health and productivity.
• 🌿 The success of implementing LDN relies on political will, inter-sectoral coordination, and the commitment of individuals and communities to change land-use practices on the ground.

Q & A

What is the primary concern regarding soil fertility in the speaker's country?

The primary concern is that the fertility of nearly 90% of the country's soils is at a low to very low level, indicating a significant issue with soil degradation.

Why is land considered the basis of life on Earth?

Land is considered the basis of life because it provides natural capital and ecosystem services, including soil, rocks, water, plants, and animals, which are essential for the environment and human survival.

What role do healthy soils and forests play in climate change dynamics?

Healthy soils and forests act as carbon sinks, which is significant in the dynamics of climate change, helping to mitigate the effects of global warming.

How quickly can soil be lost due to man-made erosion compared to its formation time?

While it may take 1,000 years for a centimeter of topsoil to build up, this one centimeter can be washed away by man-made erosion in just a moment's time.

What is the impact of land degradation on global food security?

Land degradation affects the productivity of the land, which is critical for food production. As the world population grows, preserving and improving soil quality is crucial for ensuring food security.

What are the main drivers of land degradation in industrialized and emerging economies?

In industrialized and emerging economies, land degradation is often caused by soil compaction, contamination of groundwater with pesticides and fertilizers, and improper irrigation techniques leading to soil salinization.

How does land degradation affect agricultural productivity?

Land degradation leads to a loss of productivity of the land, particularly the soil, which is essential for the growth of plants. This can result in a massive decline in agricultural productivity.

What is the economic impact of land degradation globally?

The economic impact of land degradation is significant, with the loss of fertile lands costing up to four hundred billion dollars a year.

What is the concept of Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN), and how is it achieved?

Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) is a concept where no land is lost, and any degradation is counterbalanced with restoration and rehabilitation. It requires prudent planning, continuous planning, monitoring, and adjustment processes.

How does sustainable land management benefit the environment and economy?

Sustainable land management can lead to significant economic returns, with every dollar invested potentially yielding five dollars back from harvest and water yields. It also contributes to carbon storage, enhancing environmental sustainability.

What are some of the sustainable soil management practices mentioned in the script?

Some sustainable soil management practices mentioned include crop rotation, green manure, grazing management, terracing slopes, and liming to increase the pH value of the soil.