Kilic, MiracGunal, Hikmet2026-06-192026-06-1920251088-19131520-6483https://doi.org/10.1002/tqem.70024https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12899/6159The primary objective of this study was to contribute to a deeper understanding of land degradation neutrality (LDN), with a specific focus on Malatya province, located in the semi-arid region of eastern T & uuml;rkiye. This case study served as a foundation for establishing a framework to monitor land degradation over time. The research employed three key sub-indicators-land cover (LC), land productivity (LP), and carbon stocks-following the guidelines of SDG 15.3.1. To assess changes in these sub-indicators, the SDG 15.3.1 indicator was calculated using 2015 as the baseline year and the preceding period (2000-2015) for comparison. The results indicated that approximately 3.24% of the study area experienced land degradation, primarily attributed to a decline in LP. Of this degradation, about 89.15% was linked to LP loss, while LC (5.91%) and soil organic carbon (SOC) (4.94%) contributed smaller proportions. The study also identified regional variations in land degradation, with intensified degradation occurring in areas undergoing rapid urbanization.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessCarbon StocksLand CoverLand Use ChangeLdnSdg 15.3Trends.EarthArticle10.1002/tqem.700243432-s2.0-85214371092Q3WOS:001389830800001Q40000-0002-4648-26450000-0001-8026-5540