World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

Desertification and Drought Day was officially declared by the UN General Assembly as “World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought". The day is observed on June 17 every year.

Objectives to observe the day

According to UNCCD, the objectives of this day are: 

To promote public awareness of the issue

To let people know that desertification and drought can be effectively tackled, that solutions are possible, and that key tools to this aim lay in strengthened community participation and cooperation at all levels.

To strengthen implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in those countries experiencing serious drought and/or desertification, particularly in Africa. 

This year's theme of the day

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, the theme for this special day is "restoration, land and recovery. We build back better with healthy land". The events and campaign run by the UN this year will focus on how the personal impact of desertification can be reduced worldwide.

Need to observe the day

United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) says, "Globally, 23 per cent of the land is no longer productive. 75 per cent has been transformed from its natural state, mostly for agriculture. This transformation in land use is happening at a faster rate than at any other time in human history, and has accelerated over the last 50 years. Scientists say the evolution from one state to the next is so rapid, the process is only observable over very short periods. Everyone needs to know that desertification, land degradation and drought (DLDD) have direct affect on their daily lives, and that everyone's daily actions can either contribute to, or help fight DLDD".