Global Land Degradation and Improvement Pathways at 1-km Resolution (2016-2024)

This dataset maps annual global land degradation and improvement pathways during 2016-2024 at a spatial resolution of 1 km. It was developed following the UNCCD Good Practice Guidance and its Addendum for SDG Indicator 15.3.1 by integrating three sub-indicators: land-cover change, land productivity and modelled soil organic carbon. Using 2000–2015 as the baseline period, each pixel was classified into one of seven pathways: persistent degradation, recent degradation, baseline degradation, stability, baseline improvement, recent improvement and persistent improvement. The dataset distinguishes the timing and persistence of land-condition changes rather than presenting only a binary degraded/non-degraded classification. “Improvement” denotes a positive remotely sensed or modelled change in at least one land-condition dimension and should not be interpreted as verified ecological restoration. The dataset supports global and national assessments of degradation dynamics, recovery signals and progress towards land-degradation-related policy ambitions.