World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

By : Neha Dhyani

Updated : Apr 20, 2022, 5:56

The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is globally observed on June 17 every year. This day is thus aimed to create public awareness and highlight that environmental health and the health of humans are interlaced.

Moreover, this day also recognizes a dire need to develop novel methods to reduce and prevent land desertification and recover from drought.

World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought History

The credit for the proclamation of June 19 as the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought goes to the United Nations (UN) General Assembly that passed a resolution A/RES/49/115 in December 1994. This resolution later led to the drafting of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification on January 30, 1995.

This day also makes an excellent attempt to provide a platform where experts and the public discuss potential methods to reverse desertification and increased incidences of drought.

Some of the primary agendas that are adopted as the part of the desertification and sustainable development goals include:

Sustainable management (consumption and production) of natural resources,
Taking necessary actions to address issues directly and indirectly concerning climate change.
Reducing and halting land degradation.

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Themes of The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

Every year, the United Nations Convention globally celebrates the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought with a key focus on unique soil and land conservation aspects.

Here are some of the year-wise themes that have been recognised for their global celebration over the years:

Year	Theme
2021	“Restoration, land, and recovery”
2020	“Food, Feed, Fiber”
2019	“Let’s Grow the Future Together”
2018	“Land has true value. Invest in it”
2017	“Link Between Land Degradation and Migration”
2016	“Protect Earth. Restore Land. Engage People”
2015	“No such thing as a Free Lunch. Invest in healthy soil”
2014-2010	“No official documentation available.”
2013	“Conserving land and energy = Securing our common future.”
2012	“Combating land degradation”
2011	“Desertification and Climate Change”

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World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought Aim and Significance

Due to an ever-increasing demand for food and human-oriented raw materials, research has found that nearly 3/4th of the Earth’s ice-free land has been transformed. Moreover, land degradation resulting from human settlements has led to negative consequences on the overall health of humans and other living species.

Given these statistics, the Significance of International Day to Combat Desertification and Drought has become paramount.

Acknowledging the harm humans have consistently done to the environment that has also negatively affected fellow human beings is the first step toward restoring nature, and this is what the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought aims to do.

Over the years, humans have significantly impacted environmental health by their continuous exploitation of land and soil. The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is an attempt to reacknowledge the human exploitation of the environment and contribute our part in supporting the present and future generations.

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FAQs on World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

Q.1. On which day is the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought celebrated?

The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is celebrated annually on June 17.

Q.2. Which resolution initiated the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought?

The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought was declared a day of international significance after the resolution A/RES/49/115 was adopted by the United Nations Assembly in December 1994.

Q.3. Why is the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought celebrated?

The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is celebrated to create public awareness about the ongoing issues concerning desertification and drought.

Q.4. What was the annual theme for the 2021 International day to combat desertification and drought?

Restoration, land, and recovery 2021 was the primary theme of the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought.

Q.5. In which year was the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification drafted and what does it have to do with World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought?

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification was drafted on January 30, 1995. The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is celebrated to create public awareness about the ongoing issues concerning desertification and drought.