A dynamic and ecologically based natural resource management system. Through the integration of trees in farms and landscapes, it diversifies and sustains production levels for increased social, economic, and environmental benefits for land users at all levels.(IAASTD 2009)

Activities associated with the management of land as a resource from both an environmental and an economic perspective towards sustainable development. (The Bathurst-Declaration FIG-Publication No. 22/1999)

Glossary

A biological and biophysical natural resource system managed by humans for the primary purpose of producing food as well as other socially valuable non-food goods and environmental services. Agricultural ecosystems possess a range of functional attributes which distinguish them from natural ecosystems. Agro-ecosystems are designed for a purpose – t [..]

These are actual benefits that are derived from taking action towards sustainable land management. If they are exchanged on a market (e.g. carbon sequestration, emission trading), they can be measured accurately after action is taken. If not, the benefits from action can be estimated using economic valuation. They may correspond fully or partially [..]

This is the variety of life on Earth which includes diversity at the ecosystem, habitat, species, and genetic levels, as well as diversity in abundance, distribution, and behavior. Biodiversity also incorporates human cultural diversity, which can be affected by the same drivers, and also have impacts on the diversity of ecosystems, species, and ge [..]

Achieving sustainable and profitable agriculture, with efforts subsequently aimed at improving the livelihoods of farmers through the application of three principles: minimal soil disturbance, permanent soil cover, and crop rotations. It holds tremendous potential for all sizes of farms and agro-ecological systems. It combines profitable agricultur [..]

A comparison of all the costs and benefits associated with action undertaken for sustainable land management, against “business-as-usual” (changing no habits, practices, or systems).(ELD Initiative interim report 2013) 

The costs of appropriate actions that will prevent and/or reverse land degradation. It includes the costs of implementing interventions, such as conservation tillage or soil and water conservation structures. They are often better known than the potential benefits from taking action. (ELD Initiative interim report 2013)

This refers to the forgone benefits under “business-as-usual”, when no change is taken towards adopting more sustainable management. It is usually associated with estimates of loss in production and productivity, and represents the maximum potential benefits of taking action (which may or may not materialize fully after the action is taken). Econom [..]