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World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

Join us in raising awareness and taking action on World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought - let's protect our planet from these threats!

Wednesday

June 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEJune 17

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYNature

SUBCATEGORYConservation

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to join the fight against desertification and drought on June 17, also known as World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought! This important day was established by the United Nations in 1994 to raise awareness about the growing issue of land degradation and its impact on our planet. The theme for this year's celebration is "Land has true value - invest in it", highlighting the importance of sustainable land management practices. It's a chance for individuals, organizations, and governments to come together and take action towards preserving our precious natural resources. Let's make a positive difference together on this special day!

TIMELINE

World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought Timeline

Rio Summit Highlights Desertification

At the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, often referred to as the Rio Summit, the issue of desertification is highlighted as a major environmental concern.

Establishment of WDCD

The United Nations General Assembly establishes the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought (WDCD) to promote public awareness of the issue.

UNCCD Adoption

Countries begin to ratify the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), a key international agreement stemming from the Rio Summit to address desertification and land degradation.

International Year of Deserts

The UN declares 2006 as the International Year of Deserts and Desertification (IYDD) to focus on the urgent need to preserve and rehabilitate arid lands.

Decade for Deserts

The United Nations proclaims 2010-2020 as the Decade for Deserts and the Fight against Desertification to further increase global awareness and action.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

Plant a garden

Use this day as a chance to combat desertification by planting your own garden. Choose drought-resistant plants and learn about water conservation techniques to help make your garden thrive.

HOST

Host a documentary screening

Invite friends and family over for a documentary screening about desertification and drought. Use this as an opportunity to educate and raise awareness about these important issues.

ORGANIZE

Organize a community clean-up

Gather your community together to clean up and restore areas affected by desertification and drought. This can be a great way to make a positive impact on the environment and bring people together.

EDUCATE

Educate yourself

Take the time to learn more about desertification and drought by reading articles, attending lectures, or watching educational videos. The more you know, the better equipped you will be to make a difference.

SUPPORT

Support organizations

Show your support for organizations that work towards combatting desertification and drought by volunteering, donating, or spreading awareness about their cause. Together, we can make a difference in protecting the Earth's resources.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is Important

It brings communities together to take action

The day is also a call to action for individuals, organizations and governments to work together towards combating desertification and drought. By raising awareness and encouraging collaboration, we can make a greater impact in protecting our land and communities from these pressing issues.

It raises awareness about a pressing global issue

World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought aims to bring attention to the serious problem of land degradation, desertification and drought. It's a reminder that these issues are not isolated incidents, but rather a widespread crisis affecting many countries around the world.

It promotes sustainable land management practices

By highlighting the importance of preserving our land and natural resources, World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought encourages people to adopt sustainable land management practices. This can help to combat desertification and drought, prevent land degradation, and protect our ecosystems for future generations.

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