Biodiversity Conservation and Land Degradation Neutrality

This book highlights various issues related to biodiversity conservation and land degradation, and the global challenges faced in achieving land degradation neutrality. It then discusses the importance of ecosystem restoration as a pivotal strategy in solving these issues. Ecosystem diversity and its health directly influence land productivity and its range of ecosystem services. Achieving land degradation neutrality is crucial for restoring and reinforcing biodiversity's structure and function, which ultimately plays vital role in building climate resilience. To substantiate these ideas, this book presents practical case studies and exemplifies best practices in plant, animal and ecosystem conservation. It prominently highlights the intricate interplay of complex drivers behind land use, land use change, and land degradation. It also examines the direct consequences of land degradation on biodiversity and explore global efforts, frameworks, and strategies crucial for achieving land degradation neutrality. Furthermore, it integrates indigenous knowledge, policy framework and community engagement as instrumental components for achieving global targets related to sustainable land management. This book accentuates the significance of terrestrial ecosystems in achieving biodiversity goals outlined in SDG 15, Life on Land, through a multidisciplinary approach and contributions from academicians, policymakers, United Nations Organizations, and subject matter specialists. Thus, it is a resource for students, trainees, and researchers, providing them with knowledge and insights about significance of land degradation, land degradation neutrality, and biodiversity conservation.