Land-productivity dynamics in Europe : towards valuation of land degradation in the EU

This document reported first results on the assessment and evaluation of land‐productivity dynamics and showed initial examples on the added value of integrating contextual information. Such information that is needed to derive final judgments related to the land degradation situation in contribution to the implementation of the RIO+20 target of a 'land degradation neutral world'. We documented that, based on satellite time-series observations; the dynamics of the land-productivity can be mapped for the EU27. Using this basis information to analyze incidence with potential drivers of land degradation, such as unsustainable exploitation or e.g. soil erosion, to compile convergence of evidence allows interpreting the land‐productivity dynamics in the light of identifying and mapping on-going land degradation. This spatial evaluation also highlighted that, in the frame of the 'neutral land degradation world' discussion, area percentages of decline and increase In land-productivity cannot straightforwardly be counterbalanced as these areas can have totally different actual and optional Land uses as well as economic and cultural values.