INTERNATIONAL DAY

World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

Celebrate the importance of land preservation with a focus on sustainable solutions.

JUN17
Thursday, June 17Every year on June 17
 days to go
Roots
Established by the UN in 1995
Vibe
Community-driven and eco-conscious
Hashtag
#WorldDayToCombatDesertificationAndDrought
Apple or Outlook calendar

3 ways to celebrate

AT HOME

Save water daily

Fix a leaky faucet, shorten showers, and water plants in the cool of morning.

WITH FRIENDS

Plant trees together

Join a local planting event and add shade, roots, and hope to the neighborhood.

AT WORK OR SCHOOL

Learn and share

Look up how desertification happens and share one fact with a coworker.

Fast facts

Billions of people are affected by land degradation and drought
12 millionHectares of land lost annually

The story

World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, observed on June 17, serves as a reminder of the pressing issues related to land degradation. This day was established by the United Nations in 1995 to raise awareness and foster action against desertification, a phenomenon affecting millions globally. The theme for this observance changes annually, focusing on various aspects of land management and environmental sustainability.

Read the full story

Desertification impacts over 1.5 billion people, often exacerbating food and water scarcity. Regions such as the Sahel in Africa and the southwestern United States face critical challenges, with severe droughts making it difficult for communities to thrive. The day aims to educate and empower individuals to take local actions that contribute to a larger global movement toward land restoration and sustainable practices.

Communities can participate by organizing tree-planting events, workshops on sustainable agriculture, and clean-up drives to restore natural habitats. Schools and local organizations are encouraged to host educational events that inform citizens about the importance of protecting our ecosystems. By fostering a sense of stewardship, we can combat the effects of desertification and create a more resilient environment.

As we observe World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, it is imperative to reflect on our collective responsibility toward the planet. Through small, consistent actions, individuals can contribute to reversing land degradation, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. Let us work together to promote practices that support healthy ecosystems and combat climate change.

Did you know?

01

Significant Land Loss

Over 12 million hectares lost annually due to desertification.

02

Global Initiative

UN's Decade for Deserts and the Fight Against Desertification (2010-2020).

03

Soil Degradation

Around 33% of the world's land is already degraded.

04

Food Security

Desertification threatens food security for millions.

05

Water Scarcity

Drought affects 55 million people in the U.S. annually.

06

Climate Connection

Climate change exacerbates desertification risks globally.

07

Cultural Impact

Indigenous communities often face the greatest impacts.

Around the world

Every culture celebrates a little differently.

  • USNorth AmericaFacing challenges from drought and land degradation.
  • AUAustraliaExperiencing severe droughts affecting agriculture.
  • ZAAfricaHome to many regions suffering from desertification.
  • BRSouth AmericaImpacted by deforestation and soil degradation.
  • EUEuropeWorking towards sustainable land use practices.
  • CNAsiaDealing with desertification and population pressures.

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