Calculating the Value of 4 Returns Landscape Restoration: Towards a comprehensive method to put monetary value on financial, natural, social and inspirational returns: Based on seven years of field experience

This publication introduces a comprehensive method developed by Commonland and its partners, together with KPMG, to calculate the value of financial, natural, social and inspirational returns (4 Returns) of landscape restoration and sustainable landscape management. The preliminary method was developed using seven years of field work experience on one million hectares of degraded steppe called the Altiplano Estepario in Southern Spain. Commonland’s long-term goal is to transform the current economic model of landscape degradation that focuses on maximising return on investment per hectare into a new norm built around maximising 4 Returns per landscape. To achieve this, Commonland is building a proof of concept in large areas around the world. Together with their local partners, they are helping to restore degraded land and revitalise local rural economies and communities. Developing a method capable of calculating the value of large-scale landscape interventions is essential to their mission.