Ground for peace: Land restoration for international peace and security (UNCCD, 2024)

For more than three billion people, land is core to their survival, wellbeing, and dignity. However, with between 20–40% of total global land area degraded or degrading, many are seeing this vital resource disappear before their eyes. As a result, competition and disputes over access to and use of land are increasing and becoming prominent in many conflicts. At the same time, conflicts increase the fragility of the institutions, essential services, infrastructure and governance that are critical for strengthening resilience to a changing climate and environment. This report sets the political case for land restoration as a powerful route towards international peace and security, identifies key enablers for land restoration to promote cooperation between countries, and outlines recommendations to elevate the land, peace and security agenda and secure more and better financing.

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