Regaining the Essential Ecosystem Services in Degraded Lands

Abstract

Land degradation is one of the major problems that need urgent attention. It is the reason for the loss of terrestrial biodiversity, soil health, and poor agroecological services. The extent of degradation increased in the present climate change scenario by altering both evolutionary (long-term) and ecological (short-term) drivers. Thus, restoring ecosystem services is a major challenge in the current climate change scenario. Land use change by shifting perennials to annuals results in approximately 20–60% of soil carbon loss. Restoration activities need to be speeded up by the adoption of climate-resilient agroecological approaches to mitigate the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG), restore soil health, and build soil quality. Restoring ecosystem services will increase food and nutritional security and develop sustainable farms. Maintenance and restoration of ecosystem services can mitigate global climate change through enhanced carbon sequestration and reduced GHG emissions. Also, improvement in species richness, diversity, and evenness can improve ecosystem services. We need to design and execute mutually beneficial community-based interventions for upgrading the degraded landscapes by means of agroecological approaches toward resource and capacity building.