"Conserving land and water = Securing our common future"

This year's WDCD has a special significance for the UNCCD. 15 years ago on 17 June 1994, the Convention was adopted and opened to signature.

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

On this World Day to Combat Desertification, we would like to remind everyone threats to soil security unleashed by desertification, land degradation and the effects of drought constitute a peril to securing our common future.

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. Last year, more than 40 events took place all over the world (see the 2008 report). We can celebrate the Day through organizing activities such as seminars, media events and campaigns. Every single activity involving community participation and cooperation is encouraged!

For more information about the Day, please contact: secretariat(at)unccd.int

We would be delighted to hear from you about how your country plans to mark the Day. The information received will be posted on our website.

We wish you every success in your activities to celebrate 17 June 2009.