What is the Day to Combat Desertification and Drought?

The Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is observed every year on June 17 to raise global awareness about land degradation and water scarcity. The day highlights the urgent need for sustainable land management and encourages actions to restore drylands, improve soil health, and combat the effects of drought.

This observance focuses on protecting the foundation of life: the land we grow our food on. As desertification spreads and droughts become more severe, communities, ecosystems, and economies are increasingly at risk. The day serves as a call to care for the earth beneath our feet and to ensure its vitality for generations to come.

History and Origin

The United Nations established the Day to Combat Desertification and Drought in 1994, following the adoption of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). The first observance was held in 1995, and the day has since become an annual opportunity for countries around the world to reflect on the impacts of land degradation.

Desertification affects more than a billion people globally. It is closely tied to poverty, food insecurity, and climate change. The day aims to educate the public, strengthen international cooperation, and promote practices that restore degraded land and build resilience against drought.

Every year, a different theme is chosen to draw attention to specific challenges and solutions. The goal remains the same: protect the land and empower the people who depend on it.

Who participates in the Day to Combat Desertification and Drought?

• Governments and policymakers: Promote national strategies for land protection and restoration.
• Environmental organizations: Run campaigns and coordinate land rehabilitation projects.
• Farmers and rural communities: Apply sustainable practices to protect their land and water.
• Schools and educators: Teach about desertification, drought, and soil health.
• Businesses and industries: Implement eco-friendly methods to reduce land degradation.

Slogans and Themes

Slogans often include phrases like “Restore Land, Restore Life,” “United for Land,” and “Our Legacy, Our Future.” Themes focus on restoring land to improve food systems, biodiversity, and climate resilience. The messaging underscores the idea that healthy land is a shared responsibility.

Colors, Symbols, and Patterns

Colors

• Brown: Represents dry and degraded land.
• Green: Stands for growth, restoration, and hope.
• Blue: Symbolizes water and the importance of conservation.

Symbols

• Sprouting plant in cracked soil: Represents regeneration in dry landscapes.
• Water droplet: Emphasizes the scarcity and value of freshwater.
• Earth globe with leaves: Highlights the global scale of land care.

Patterns

• Cracked earth textures: Reflect the reality of drought and land loss.
• Waves and lines: Suggest water movement and the flow of life.
• Mosaic landscapes: Contrast fertile and degraded land to show what’s at stake.

Most Used Hashtags

• #DesertificationAndDroughtDay
• #LandRestoration
• #UnitedForLand
• #DroughtAwareness
• #StopDesertification

How do you celebrate the Day to Combat Desertification and Drought?

• Join educational events: Attend talks, webinars, or local workshops about land health.
• Plant trees or native plants: Help improve soil quality and reduce erosion.
• Spread awareness: Share facts, stories, and images on social media to inspire action.
• Support conservation efforts: Volunteer or donate to land restoration organizations.
• Practice sustainable living: Reduce waste, conserve water, and support eco-friendly agriculture.

Why is the Day to Combat Desertification and Drought important?

More than 40 percent of the planet’s land is degraded, and droughts are becoming more frequent due to climate change. This puts pressure on food production, water availability, and community stability. The day reminds the world that reversing land damage is possible ; but only if we act together.

Healthy land supports everything from forests to farms. It helps fight climate change, preserves wildlife, and provides a foundation for human life. By protecting and restoring land, we create a better future for all people, especially in vulnerable regions.