LADA Land Degradation Assessment in Drylands Methodology and Results

LADA (Land Degradation Assessment in Drylands project) is a scientifically-based approach to assessing and mapping land degradation at different spatial scales ? small to large ? and at various levels ? local to global. It was initiated in drylands, but the methods and tools have been developed so as to be widely applicable in other ecosystems and diverse contexts with minimal required adaptation.

LADA?s products have been tested, adapted and validated by the six participating countries for the cost effective and scientifically robust assessment and monitoring of the status and trends of their land resources and ecosystems.

It provides a sound basis for the preparation of future planning and investment frameworks for land resources (soil, water, vegetation/ biodiversity, ecosystems) management and planning. Adopting the LADA approach can assist the development of national action plans, strategies and policies for combating desertification, improving food security and alleviating rural poverty, especially in response to climate change. LADA surveys forms reliable baselines for monitoring and evaluation of SLM programmes.