The World Day to Combat Desertification is observed every year on 17 June.

UNCCD - slogan 2009

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 worst-case scenarios,they undermine national and regional security, force people to leave their homes and can trigger low- or high-level intensity conflicts.

The World Day to Combat Desertification has been observed since 1995 (General Assembly Resolution A/RES/49/1995) to promote public awareness relating to international cooperation to combat desertification and the effects of drought, and the implementation of the UNCCD.

For more informaiton visit the official website here.