Minimum Data & Content Standards: Updates and Essential Variables

This document provides a rapid update on the previous work conducted by GEO-LDN regarding minimum data quality standards, highlighting key methodologies and stakeholder responses that inform the ongoing development of these standards. Additionally, it delves into the concept of Essential Land Variables, examining their significance in land degradation monitoring and proposing candidate variables that could be crucial for effective assessment. The report aims to enhance the quality and consistency of data used in tracking land degradation by synthesizing this information, while supporting the broader goals of achieving Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) and fulfilling Sustainable Development Goals related to land management. Readers unfamiliar with the prior work on minimum data quality standards are strongly advised to consult earlier GEO-LDN reports on the topic before delving into this document to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the context and progress in this area. This will facilitate a more complete grasp of the current recommendations and proposals for Essential Land Variables.