Land use transitions

Land use transitions involve changes in how land is managed, to ensure a balance between human needs and the health of the environment. Such transitions are a crucial part of sustainable development, as they offer ways to address challenges related to food production, urban growth, and climate change while protecting ecosystems.

One key example is the shift from traditional clear-cut forestry to continuous cover forestry or other clear-cut free methods that aim to keep a mix of trees of different ages and species, support wildlife, store carbon, and reduce environmental damage while still providing timber.

Other sustainable approaches include restoring degraded land, combining trees with crops through agroforestry, and rewilding natural areas. These methods improve soil, water, and air quality while supporting biodiversity and storing carbon to help combat climate change.