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Desertification and Drought Day 2024 Theme, Date, History and Objectives

PWOnlyIAS June 11, 2024 02:33 1689 0

Desertification and Drought Day 2024 or World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2024 is on 17th June. Know the Desertification and Drought Day 2024 theme, date and other details.

Desertification and Drought Day 2024 Theme, Date, History and Objectives

Desertification and Drought Day 2024: The Government of Germany, a signatory and committed supporter of the convention, will host the global observance of Desertification and Drought Day 2024 (also known as the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2024). In collaboration with the Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the City of Bonn, home to the UNCCD Secretariat since 1999, a series of public events will be organized. 

The events at Desertification and Drought Day 2024 will include a photo exhibition, educational programs, and musical performances, along with a social media campaign launched in advance, to ensure the global dissemination of this year’s theme. Desertification and Drought Day was declared by the UN General Assembly as “World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought”.

Let us have a look at the Theme and Date of the Desertification and Drought Day 2024 or World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2024. The History and Objectives of the Desertification and Drought Day or World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is also given here.

Desertification and Drought Day 2024

Desertification and Drought Day 2024 or the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2024 will be celebrated on 17th June 2024 in Germany. Let us have a look at the Desertification and Drought Day 2024 celebrations in detail.

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I. Desertification and Drought Day 2024 Venue

Desertification and Drought Day 2024 celebrations will be hosted by Germany. The global observance of the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2024, which will be held at the Bundeskunsthalle on June 17, 2024, will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)

This gathering will take place ahead of the largest-ever UN conference on land and drought, UNCCD COP16, scheduled for December 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

II. Desertification and Drought Day 2024 Theme

The theme of Desertification and Drought Day 2024 or World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2024 is “United for land. Our Legacy. Our Future”. This theme emphasizes the importance of land stewardship for securing the stability and prosperity of billions of people globally.

III. Objectives of Desertification and Drought Day 2024

Desertification and Drought Day 2024 will be celebrated in Germany on 17th June 2024. The objectives of Desertification and Drought Day 2024 are::

  • Raising public awareness about desertification and drought.
  • Informing people that these issues can be effectively addressed, highlighting that solutions exist, and emphasizing the importance of enhanced community participation and cooperation at all levels.
  • Boosting the implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in nations severely affected by drought and/or desertification, especially in Africa.

World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2024

“World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought” was the official name when Desertification and Drought Day was declared by the UN General Assembly in December 1994. World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2024 will be celebrated on 17th June 2024 as the Desertification and Drought Day 2024 with the theme, “United for Land. Our Legacy. Our Future.”

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Desertification and Drought Day

Desertification and Drought Day, observed annually on June 17th, raises awareness about the critical issues of desertification and drought. Coordinated by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), it emphasizes sustainable land management as a solution to improve human livelihoods, ecosystems, and resilience. 

I. What is Desertification?

Desertification is the process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of various factors, including climatic variations and human activities. It involves the degradation of land in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas, leading to the loss of productivity and biological richness. 

Below are the causes of Desertification:

  • Natural Causes: These include prolonged droughts, climate change, and other natural factors that reduce the availability of water and nutrients in the soil.
  • Human Activities: Overgrazing, deforestation, unsustainable agricultural practices, and improper land management can contribute significantly to desertification. Urbanization and industrial activities also play a role by altering the natural landscape and depleting water resources.

II. How does desertification affect us?

Desertification, land degradation, and drought rank among the most urgent environmental issues we face today, with as much as 40% of global land area already degraded.

Healthy land offers numerous benefits beyond producing nearly 95% of our food: it also supplies materials for clothing and shelter, generates jobs and livelihoods, and shields us from increasing droughts, floods, and Forest Fires.

Below are some impacts of Desertification:

  • Environmental Impacts: Loss of vegetation, reduced soil fertility, and increased soil erosion are direct consequences of desertification.
  • Economic Impacts: Desertification affects agricultural productivity, leading to reduced food security and increased poverty, especially in rural areas dependent on farming and livestock.
  • Social Impacts: It can cause displacement of populations, as people are forced to migrate in search of more fertile land and better living conditions. This can lead to social conflicts and strain on resources in urban areas.

History of World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, observed on June 17th annually, aims to raise awareness about the urgent need to combat desertification and the effects of drought worldwide. Established by the United Nations in December 1994, World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought emphasizes the importance of sustainable land management practices to mitigate desertification, land degradation, and drought, which pose significant threats to ecosystems, livelihoods, and food security. 

By promoting global cooperation and collective efforts, the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2024 or Desertification and Drought Day 2024 seeks to safeguard the health and resilience of ecosystems while ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is an international agreement aimed at addressing the issue of desertification and land degradation in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas. The UNCCD was adopted in Paris on June 17, 1994, and entered into force on December 26, 1996. 

As of now, the convention has been ratified by 197 parties, making it a universally recognized agreement. The primary goal is to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought through national action programs that incorporate long-term strategies supported by international cooperation and partnership arrangements.

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I. Key Components of UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)

Let us have a look at the Key Components of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD):

  1. National Action Programs (NAPs):
    1. Countries affected by desertification are required to develop and implement NAPs.
    2. NAPs focus on sustainable land management practices, resource conservation, and community involvement.
  2. Regional and Sub-Regional Programs:
    1. Encourages affected countries within the same region to develop collaborative programs.
    2. Addresses transboundary issues and promotes regional cooperation.
  3. Science and Technology:
    1. The UNCCD promotes scientific research and the use of technology to address desertification.
    2. The Committee on Science and Technology (CST) is established to provide scientific advice and information.
  4. Funding and Resources:
    1. The Global Mechanism (GM) is tasked with promoting the mobilization of financial resources.
    2. The convention seeks to facilitate the flow of financial and technical resources to affected countries.
  5. Monitoring and Reporting:
    1. Parties are required to report on the implementation of their NAPs.
    2. The reporting process is intended to be transparent and participatory.
  6. Capacity Building:
    1. Emphasis on building the capacity of stakeholders at all levels to effectively address desertification.
    2. Training, education, and public awareness programs are key components.

II. Strategic Frameworks of UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)

Let us have a look at the Strategic Frameworks of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD):

  • 10-Year Strategy (2008-2018): Aimed to enhance the implementation of the convention through improved policies and practices.
  • 2018-2030 Strategic Framework: Aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 15.3, which focuses on achieving land degradation neutrality.

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Global Status of Desertification and Drought

Desertification, land degradation, and drought are among the most pressing environmental challenges for our current generation. Currently, up to 40% of all land area worldwide is considered degraded. 

This is a significant concern as healthy land is crucial for various ecosystem services and human well-being. It not only provides us with almost 95% of our food but also clothes and shelters us, provides jobs and livelihoods, and protects us from worsening droughts, floods, and wildfires.

Let us have a look at the key statistics of Desertification and Drought globally:

  • Desertification: The process of fertile land transforming into desert typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture. Desertification affects over 168 countries.
  • Land Degradation: Land degradation involves the decline in land quality and its productive capacity. It impacts about 2 billion people globally.
  • Drought: Drought is a prolonged period of abnormally less rainfall, leading to a shortage of water resources. It affects various regions around the world, exacerbating land degradation and desertification.

Global Initiatives to Combat Desertification

Combating desertification is a critical global challenge that requires concerted efforts from governments, organizations, communities, and individuals. Here are some key Global Initiatives to Combat Desertification:

  1. United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD): Adopted in 1994, the UNCCD is the primary international framework for addressing desertification, land degradation, and drought.
  2. The Great Green Wall Initiative: This African-led initiative aims to combat desertification and improve livelihoods across the Sahel region by creating a mosaic of green and productive landscapes.
  3. Bonn Challenge: Launched in 2011, the Bonn Challenge is a global effort to restore 350 million hectares of degraded and deforested land by 2030. 
  4. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Goal 15 of the SDGs specifically targets the protection, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, including combating desertification, restoring degraded land, and halting biodiversity loss.
  5. The United Nations Decade for Deserts and the Fight Against Desertification (2010-2020): This initiative aimed to raise awareness and mobilize action to combat desertification and promote sustainable land management.
  6. Regional Initiatives and Partnerships: Many regions have established their own initiatives and partnerships to combat desertification. For example, the African Union’s African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative (AFR100) aims to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land in Africa by 2030.

Status of Land Degradation and Desertification in India

According to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), around 96.4 million hectares (mha) of land in India is undergoing various degrees of land degradation. This accounts for nearly 29.3% of the total geographical area of the country. 

Desertification is a significant concern, particularly in states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, and parts of Maharashtra. Desertification affects about 24% of India’s land area. India is losing arable land at an alarming rate due to soil erosion, waterlogging, and salinization. This loss poses a threat to food security and agricultural sustainability.

India is also actively involved in international efforts to combat desertification, such as through its participation in the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), and hence will also participate in celebrating World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2024 or Desertification and Drought Day 2024 on 17th June 2024 in Germany.

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Initiatives to Combat Land Degradation and Desertification in India

India has implemented several initiatives to combat land degradation and desertification, recognizing the severe ecological and socio-economic consequences of these issues. Here are Initiatives to Combat Land Degradation and Desertification taken by the Government of India:

  1. National Action Programme to Combat Desertification (NAP-CCD): Launched in 2001, NAP-CCD aims to address desertification, land degradation, and drought through sustainable land management practices, afforestation, and community participation.
  2. National Mission for Green India (GIM): GIM focuses on afforestation, reforestation, and forest conservation to enhance forest cover and restore degraded ecosystems. It also involves local communities in forest management and biodiversity conservation.
  3. National Afforestation Programme (NAP): NAP, launched in 2000, aims to increase forest and tree cover to combat land degradation and enhance ecosystem services. It involves various afforestation and reforestation activities on degraded lands.
  4. National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): NMSA promotes sustainable agricultural practices to enhance productivity, resilience, and resource use efficiency while minimizing environmental degradation, including soil erosion and degradation.
  5. Soil Health Card Scheme: This scheme aims to assess soil health and provide farmers with customized recommendations to improve soil fertility and prevent degradation through appropriate nutrient management practices.

Desertification and Drought Day 2024 – Conclusion

Celebrating Desertification and Drought Day 2024 with the theme, “United for Land. Our Legacy. Our Future.” will raise awareness about the critical issues of land degradation and water scarcity. It will also prompts communities, governments, and organizations to take action towards sustainable land management, water conservation, and drought resilience.

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Desertification and Drought Day 2024 FAQs

The theme of Desertification and Drought Day 2024 is “United for Land. Our Legacy. Our Future.”

International Convention to Combat Desertification is a United Nations agreement aiming to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought through sustainable land management practices.

Desertification and drought resilience refers to the ability of ecosystems, communities, and individuals to withstand and recover from the impacts of desertification and prolonged periods of water scarcity.

Desertification affects over 100 countries, endangering ecosystems, livelihoods, and food security. It results from factors like climate change, deforestation, and unsustainable land management.

National mission to combat desertification (NAP-CCD) is a government of India initiative launched in 2001 to focus on sustainable land management, afforestation, water conservation, and community engagement to mitigate desertification and preserve ecosystems in affected areas.
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