Sand and dust storms (SDS), also known as sirocco, haboob, yellow dust, white storms, and the harmattan, are a natural phenomenon linked with land and water management and climate change. They are a combination of different hazards, such as sand, dust and wind. The fluctuation in their intensity, magnitude or interaction with each other is what can make them unpredictable and dangerous.

Some 151 UNCCD country Parties (or 77 per cent)are affected directly by SDS and 45 country Parties (or 23 per cent) are classified as SDS source areas. Most locations are in the low-latitude drylands, but dust sources can develop in almost any environment, often through human influence. Unsustainable use or agricultural land, deforestation, overgrazing, high latitudes, depletion of water sources and industrial activities can all trigger SDS.

SDS have socio-economic impacts on human health, agriculture, industry, transportation, water & air quality. For instance, dust can cause damage to lungs and worsen the symptoms of bronchitis and respiratory diseases such as asthma. Globally, 334 million people and 14 per cent of world’s children experience asthmatic symptoms. In addition, just storms can transport pathogens such as meningitis and valley fever.

Principles for Policy Framework and Technical Guide. Suggested principles
-SDS policy and governance for SDS management
-SDS early waring and monitoring, including health warning
-SDS vulnerability and impact assessment
-SDS impact mitigation, preparedness and response: ex ante/ex post measures
-SDS knowledge management and awareness raising
-SDS source mitigation in the context of LDN target