Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Environment
Why in News?
Recently, World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought were celebrated with great enthusiasm under the Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana WDC–PMKSY.
- Aim – To promote public awareness of international efforts to combat desertification.
- History – Observed globally on June 17, 1995 declared by the UN General Assembly.
World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought,2026
- Organised by – United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
- Host Country, 2026 – Kenya.
- Theme 2026 – Rangelands: Recognize. Respect. Restore.
- Recognize – Rangelands’ economic value, biodiversity role, and ecosystem services.
- Respect – Pastoralists, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities’ knowledge.
- Restore – Invest in sustainable management, governance, drought readiness, and community led efforts.
- Slogan, 2026 – No such thing as a free lunch. Invest in healthy soil
- Purpose – Rangelands cover more than half of the world’s land surface yet remain among the most undervalued ecosystems.
- They face increasing pressures from climate change, land degradation and competing land uses.
Rangelands – They are vast expanses of land dominated by native vegetation such as grasses, shrubs, and open woodland
References
- PIB | World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
- FAO | World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
- UNCCD | World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
