The thirteenth session of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification Conference of the Parties took place in Ordos China 6-16 September 2017. It sets a Strategic policy Framework to guide on-ground actions under the Convention from 2018-2030 to help its member nations achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15.3 on Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN). The SDG 15.3, which aims at achieving a land degradation-neutral world by 2030, constitutes a critical milestone in the international community’s acknowledgment of the importance of land degradation neutrality.

For businesses, land degradation can translate into losses through decline in availability and quality of raw materials and higher cost of restoration. It can also increase risks related to market access. Hence, coordinated efforts of multiple actors are required to halt and reverse land degradation, restore degraded ecosystems and manage land resources sustainably. It is being recognized that the right institutional, political and legal frameworks accompanied by economic incentives can allow the global community to achieve LDN. While participation of all stakeholders is critical to success, the private sector has the resources and technological know-how that is needed for large-scale investments and concrete action on the ground. By bringing innovative solutions, business can significantly contribute to the transformation of our economies to become land degradation neutral.

This business declaration summarizes the views of the UNCCD COP13 business forum participants on the private sector’s critical role, and commitment to action towards a land-degradation neutral world.