Get reliable science

Despite concerted efforts, dryland issues have failed to capture sufficient global attention to propel rapid progress in curbing land degradation and alleviating poverty in drylands. Recent initiatives and assessments affecting drylands management and development have either been unable to attract sufficient funds, or too mired in procedural issues to effectively address problems at a local level. 40% of low-income countries are largely dryland, where livelihoods critically depend upon the sustainable management of dryland resources to survive. Yet, poverty reduction and debt relief measures fail to specifically factor in the management of drylands ecosystems to improve poor people's standards of living. The support and policy challenges facing dryland initiatives stem from a limited approach to the issue---one which restricts itself to resolving the present problems of land degradation and food insecurity, rather than realizing the full potential of the numerous goods, services, and benefits offered by drylands. An ecosystem approach to drylands monitoring and assessment, on the other hand, holds great promise for building support for enhanced dryland management, development, and investment, precisely because of its more comprehensive, forward-looking focus.