TMG-ThinkTank for Sustainability

Land degradation neutrality (LDN) is increasingly recognized as an effective mechanism to address land degradation and sustain ecosystems. Although this mechanism could accelerate the achievement of SDGs, we should approach with caution many of the policy measures proposed within countries’ LDN target-setting programmes to avoid violating rights to land and resources.

This policy brief aims to give an overview of land degradation hotspots in Houet Department and the policy options for land restoration. In this assessment, land degradation is referred to as the persistent loss of ecosystem function and productivity caused by disturbances from which the land cannot recover without human intervention (unaided). Hotspots are defined as places that experience high land degradation and if left unattended, will negatively affect both human wellbeing and the environment.