Land Degradation, Desertification & Drylands

Water scarcity, soil degradation, and vegetation loss pose acute risks in arid regions. Land degradation, desertification & drylands addresses these interrelated challenges, focusing on the biophysical and socio-economic drivers of landscape deterioration. Researchers examine processes such as erosion, salinization, and loss of soil organic matter, often intensified by unsustainable land use, overgrazing, and climate change. Remote sensing and field-based assessments help map vulnerable areas and track restoration outcomes. Policy frameworks such as the UNCCD guide global responses, while local innovations—like agroforestry and water harvesting—are critical to building resilience. Land Degradation, Desertification & Drylands is pivotal in safeguarding food security, rural livelihoods, and ecosystem services across the world's most fragile zones. Restoring drylands requires a blend of indigenous practices, climate-smart agriculture, and long-term investment in land stewardship and policy coherence.