Taking 2006, the International Year of Deserts and Desertification as a case study, this paper assesses the success of IYDD. First, IYDD is contextualised within an overall history of global attempts to combat desertification and the successes and challenges faced therein. The goals and objectives of IYDD are then considered in relation to both deserts and desertification, and evaluated in an analysis of IYDD events and their outcomes.

At the centre of the analysis are the key policy recommendations, declarations, memoranda of understanding and so on, arising from events convened all over the world throughout 2006. The paper then explores who IYDD might have been a success for, and examines how its outputs may be used to shape future efforts to protect desert regions by combating global desertification and implementing the UNCCD.

The recommendations and guidance emerging from IYDD events target not only the problem of desertification as a form of environmental degradation, but also as a broader, cross-cutting development issue in desert regions. For example, ‘women’ and ‘young people’ were highlighted as key stakeholder groups that should be encouraged to become more involved in environmental decision-making and activities to combat desertification. See the list of events and activities, key thematic issues and recommendations.