There is growing evidence worldwide that many SLM measures have simultaneous benefits for climate change mitigation, adaptation and food security, as well as soil protection as pointed out in this study by GIZ and UNIQUE. Unsustainable land uses contribute to nearly 25% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, about half of this is due t agriculture. The amount of carbon stored in the world’s soils is bigger than the carbon in all vegetation and the atmosphere combined.
With proper management, soils and vegetation can sequester carbon, and contribute to mitigating further climate change. Furthermore, land management plays key roles in food provisioning, regulating water cycles and maintaining other ecosystem services. Sustainable land management (SLM) is thus a key measure in adapting to the effects of climate change.
