Environmental trends in Montenegro: Land degradation neutrality

Abstract

Land degradation neutrality (LDN) is an integral part of the 2030 UN Agenda for Sustainable Development. Montenegro actively works on LDN target setting process. This paper aims to present: (a) the basic principles of LDN concept, (b) global datasets provided by UNCCD, (c) SWOT analysis for the country, and (d) to discuss possible national datasets and further activities related to LDN. LDN Target indicator is measured by means of three sub-indicators: land cover, land productivity and soil organic carbon (SOC), and it could be broaden with national indicators. Country has been provided by UNCCCD with global dataset on three sub-indicators, as well as with watershed boundaries, but is encouraged to utilize their own datasets. ESA land cover data indicate the conversion of 2460 ha of forests into to croplands or shrubs. Land productivity dynamics data indicated that 74300 ha of territory have sort of negative trends in land productivity. SOC at the country level indicates average content of 125.1 t/ha. Ten potential hotspots in the country had reduction of land productivity dynamics caused by wildfires, whereas five hotspots had multiple drivers of land degradation among which fires, agricultural abandonment and urbanization are the most important. Although there is a certain inaccuracy in global datasets, the country decision is to utilize them in defining LDN baseline. The national working group defined four specific voluntary targets: (1) Avoiding, minimizing land degradation, and redirecting land use changes, (2) Increase of land productivity - reduction of soil degradation, (3), Protection of natural ecosystems from wildfires, and (4) Improvement of soil monitoring system. Accordingly, 25 associated measures are defined to achieve LDN up to 2030. They are related to enhancement of LDN baseline in Montenegro, environmental legislations, direct measures to prevent, minimize land degradation and restore degraded land, sustainable agriculture and forestry, land use changes and social .