Land Management

Land management is a critical practice that involves the strategic use and development of land resources to achieve sustainable outcomes. The score in the land management pillar is based on the idea that protecting habitats is the most effective way to conserve biodiversity. It measures how well each country safeguards its habitats through seven indices, including protected area coverage, fragmentation, marine protected areas and sustainable resource use. Effective land management ensures that land resources are used efficiently and sustainably, promoting optimal agricultural productivity, native habitat conservation, and urban growth.

The core of land management lies in its integrative approach, combining policy, technology, and community engagement to minimize negative impacts on ecosystems while maximizing the benefits for human populations. It requires cooperation among policymakers, environmental scientists, and local stakeholders to implement strategies that protect biodiversity and ensure long-term resource availability. A higher score means that a country implements better practices and policies to protect its native habitats and to increase sustainable use of non-protected land, with a score higher than 80 representing exemplary performance at the Land Management pillar.