The United Nations' World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is annually observed on June 17 to highlight the urgent need to curb the desertification process. It also aims to strengthen the visibility of the drylands issue on the international environmental agenda.
In December 1994, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 17, 'the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought.' The Assembly acknowledged that desertification and drought were global problems, because they affected all regions of the world. The Assembly also realised that joint action by the international community was needed to combat desertification and drought, particularly in Africa.
This year's WDCD has special significance for the UNCCD. Fifteen years ago, on 17 June 1994, the Convention was adopted and opened to signatures. The World Day to Combat Desertification is observed every year, on June 17. This year, the Day's theme is 'Conserving land and water - Securing our common future'. Desertification, land degradation and drought (DLDD) threaten human security by depriving people of their means of life by taking away food, access to water, the means for economic activities, and even their homes.
In the worst-case scenarios, they undermine national and regional security, force people to leave their homes and can trigger low or high-level intensity conflicts. Last year, more than 40 events took place all over the world (see the 2008 report). Created by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification,
'The World Day to Combat Desertification' is celebrated every year, on June 17, all over the world to highlight the urgent need to curb the process of desertification and to draw attention to the drylands issue. 17 June represents an opportunity to reinforce the message that desertification is not a fatality, that solutions exist, and that it can be effectively tackled through strengthened community participation and co-operation at all levels.
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