World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

Desertification and Drought Day 2026, marked worldwide on 17 June, will shine a spotlight on rangelands under the theme “Rangelands: Recognize. Respect. Restore.”. Despite covering more than half of the planet’s land surface, these ecosystems often remain overlooked, even though they are fundamental to food production, biodiversity, water regulation and climate resilience. Home to around two billion people globally — including pastoralist and Indigenous communities — rangelands also hold deep cultural and social significance. The 2026 campaign seeks to increase global awareness of their value while encouraging stronger action to halt degradation and support long-term restoration.

Coinciding with the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, this year’s observance will highlight the importance of sustainable land stewardship and the knowledge of communities that have managed these landscapes for generations. With nearly half of the world’s rangelands already degraded or under threat, the initiative will promote solutions such as responsible water management, drought preparedness and community-driven restoration projects. Through international dialogue, policy engagement and grassroots initiatives, Desertification and Drought Day 2026 aims to mobilise greater investment and collaboration to protect these vital ecosystems and strengthen resilience for the future.

See this link for more details.