Introduction and Application of Adaptive Management Concept and Zero Balance Approach in Reducing Land Degradation

Land degradation development is one of the existing issues in human communities. Degraded lands cover approximately 23% of the global terrestrial area and increasing at an annual rate of 5- 10 million ha. Apart that, economical development, unscientific and illogical utilization of resources are inevitable due to growing population and needs. On the other hand, the unsustainable management strategies due to incorrect identification of the natural resources, increases the land degradation. Appling appropriate management plans is therefore necessary to mitigate damage and protect water resources, soils and vegetation, proper utilization and economic development needs. In this regard, adaptive management is a systematic approach, provides an optimal management of natural resources and reduces land degradation through minimizing uncertainty and greater convergence among stakeholders. In addition, Zero Net Land Degradation (ZNLD) strategy as a new approach can also be achieved when non-degraded land remains healthy and already degraded land is restored, thus reducing to zero the net rate of loss in productive land.