Land degradation is an escalating global crisis affecting over 3 billion people. More than 2 billion hectares of land—critical for food, water, and biodiversity—is now degraded. With droughts, desertification, and soil erosion on the rise, the need to protect our planet’s ecosystems is more urgent than ever. This year’s World Environment Day focused on land restoration and drought resilience, highlighting actionable solutions that remain relevant as we progress through 2024.
Recent findings released post-Environment Day have brought to light the critical state of global land degradation. For instance, research from the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) reveals that drought frequency has increased by nearly 30% in the last decade alone. In addition, several reports emphasize the interconnectedness between climate change, unsustainable agriculture, and land degradation, reinforcing the importance of collective efforts to combat these issues.
Here are seven ways to restore land and fight desertification based on updated strategies and reports:
1. Promote Sustainable Agriculture
Sustainable agriculture is essential for restoring degraded lands. Conventional farming practices are a significant driver of land degradation, particularly in rural communities. Reports emphasize the importance of regenerative agriculture, which increases food production while preserving ecosystems. Governments are encouraged to redirect agricultural subsidies—worth around $540 billion annually—toward practices like organic farming and no-tillage techniques. Studies also advocate for consumers to shift toward regional and seasonal diets, incorporating more soil-friendly crops like beans and lentils.
2. Revitalize Soil Health
Soil is the foundation of life, but its health is deteriorating rapidly. Healthy soil is crucial for biodiversity, food security, and carbon storage. Research stresses the need for zero-tillage farming and the use of organic materials like compost to rejuvenate soil. A report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) released in July highlights the growing threat of soil erosion and proposes implementing drip irrigation systems and soil moisture retention techniques as solutions.
3. Protect Pollinators
Pollinators are essential for the growth of crops and the survival of many species. Bees, bats, and other pollinators are in decline due to pesticide use and habitat loss. New findings suggest that increasing green spaces in urban areas and planting native flowers can reverse this trend. Encouragingly, several cities have begun implementing pollinator corridors—networks of native plants that support pollinators across urban landscapes—following recommendations from recent ecological studies.
4. Restore Freshwater Ecosystems
Freshwater ecosystems are critical to maintaining fertile land, yet they are rapidly disappearing. In reports released in June, there was a clear emphasis on the importance of restoring rivers and wetlands, particularly in drought-prone regions. Countries are being urged to participate in the Freshwater Challenge, an initiative aimed at rehabilitating degraded freshwater systems by 2030. Governments and local communities can also improve water management practices to prevent over-extraction and pollution.
5. Renew Coastal and Marine Areas
Marine ecosystems are integral to climate mitigation and biodiversity. Mangrove and coral reef restoration is increasingly recognized as a priority for many nations, especially in Africa and Southeast Asia. Governments are called to adopt stricter pollution controls and expand blue carbon initiatives, which protect coastal ecosystems while storing large amounts of carbon. New international guidelines on sustainable fishing and marine conservation released in July further support these priorities.
6. Integrate Nature into Urban Spaces
Urbanization is a leading cause of land degradation and biodiversity loss. However, cities also offer opportunities for restoration. According to recent case studies, incorporating green infrastructure, such as urban forests and rooftop gardens, can enhance urban resilience against heat waves and pollution. The Global Alliance for Urban Greenery published recommendations in July 2024, advocating for more green roofs, rain gardens, and vertical forests as essential tools for sustainable city planning.
7. Increase Financing for Ecosystem Restoration
Financing remains a significant barrier to large-scale land restoration. Recent reports by UNEP and the World Bank indicate that investments in nature-based solutions need to double by 2030 to meet global restoration targets. Financial institutions are increasingly integrating ecosystem restoration into their portfolios, with innovative mechanisms like green bonds and blended finance models gaining traction. Individuals are also encouraged to support these efforts by choosing sustainable investment options and crowdfunding restoration projects.
As we move forward in 2024, the need for coordinated global efforts to restore land and combat desertification has never been clearer. The strategies outlined above, backed by recent findings and expert recommendations, provide a comprehensive roadmap to halting land degradation and fostering a more resilient environment. For individuals, governments, and businesses alike, taking action now is key to securing a sustainable future for generations to come.
