India

In the face of escalating land degradation, India is at a pivotal juncture to safeguard its land resources, which are crucial for ecological sustainability, food security, and economic growth. Hosting 18% of the world’s population and 15% of its livestock on merely 2.4% of global land area, the country confronts significant challenges from diminished land productivity, affecting millions. Recognizing the gravity, India has committed to restoring 26 million hectares by 2030, a strategic move underlined by its leadership in global environmental governance and a testament to its resolve to combat desertification. This ambitious goal is a pathway to ecological restoration and a vital strategy for job creation and enhancing farmers' incomes, potentially generating 4-5 million jobs. The Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Land Management (CoE-SLM), under the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), exemplifies India’s comprehensive approach to fostering collaboration, financial mobilization, and technological innovation to meet these challenges head-on. The Centre is instrumental in realizing India's vision for a sustainable, resilient future through international cooperation, capacity building, and promoting sustainable land management practices.