World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 17 June

World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is observed every year on June 17th.

The theme for this year is "Let's grow the future together."
The aim of this day is to promote public awareness of international efforts to combat desertification.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said that land degradation and drought are major threats affecting millions of people worldwide, particularly women and children.
Every year, the world loses 24 billion tons of fertile soil and dryland degradation reduces national domestic product in developing countries by up to 8 per cent annually.
Protecting and restoring land and better using it can reduce forced migration, improve food security and spur economic growth.
It can also help to address the global climate emergency.
Land degradation neutrality is achieved through problem-solving, strong community involvement and cooperation at all levels.
This day is observed to recognize the imperative of combating desertification as part of the efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goals of the UN.