In this report, the Economics of Land Degradation (ELD) Initiative outlines opportunities and benefits for the private sector indirectly and indirectly investing in sustainable land management. These come through improved yields of goods like food, fiber, and timber, new business opportunities, and novel markets, and creating and ensuring social “licenses to operate”. It builds on the previous report on the assessment of business exposure to land degradation risk from 2013. Pathways are outlined where large, medium, and small companies can position themselves to take advantage of potential benefits, including; 1) new products and markets that are resource-use efficient and are suited to restoration and rehabilitation sites; and, 2) improvements in existing markets by increasing production and adding value. Many companies are already recognizing the need for greater environmental accountability and gain competitive advantages by doing so. The report further discusses barriers and incentives and ways to manage them. Emphasis is given to striking up new partnerships with civil society and governments that are profitable, distribute benefits to all stakeholders, assure maintenance of valued ecosystem services, and ensure enabling environments for investment and implementation that pose no threats to any participant.
