Concepts and methods of global assessment of the economics of land degradation and improvement

Abstract

The Economics of Land Degradation (ELD) initiative seeks to develop a science basis for policy actions to address land degradation. The purpose of this chapter is to provide with a conceptual framework and sound and feasible methodological standards for ELD assessments at global and national levels. Only if some basic standards are identified and adhered to, comparative assessments can be conducted between countries and useful aggregation of findings, based on these case studies, can be achieved. Therefore, using the Total Economic Value (TEV) framework, the chapter identifies minimum core standards that need to be adhered to in all country case studies to generate comparable material for international assessment and ELD policy guidance.