World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

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

1. PIB | World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
2. FAO | World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
3. UNCCD | World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought