This paper analyses the role of the UNCCD in the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, linking the UNCCD's key objective of achieving land degradation neutrality (LDN) with the concerns and objectives of the UN Decade. The document underscores the challenges and opportunities of Sustainable Land Management (SLM), which prevents the degradation of land resources and is a key measure for restoring terrestrial ecosystems. It addresses the goals and synergies among the three Rio Conventions and emphasizes the importance of conservation and sustainable use of land resources in achieving these goals.

The paper was composed in 2023 and subsequently updated within the same year to reflect the latest scientific and policy advancements.It includes policy recommendations to tackle the challenges that persist despite ambitious goals and the increasing political importance of this issue. The recommendations advocate for comprehensive land use transformation, ambitious goals for the restoration of land resources, responsible and integrated governance and land use planning, capacity building and stakeholder engagement, communication and knowledge sharing among initiatives and relevant agencies, and more, all updated to reflect the current understanding and context.

Healthy ecosystems and land resources (soil, water and biodiversity) are the foundation for sustainable development and global prosperity. However, loss of natural capital, including land resources, has increased dramatically as a result of worldwide overexploitation. Ecosystem restoration enables safeguarding ecosystem services and thus meet the growing demand for food, water, fuels and other raw materials, even under a rapidly changing climate. The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration represents a significant opportunity to halt land degradation worldwide while the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) has the mandate and can act as a trailblazer in this context.