Other meetings & events

Theme: "Conserving land and water = Securing our common future"2009 World Day to Combat Desertification (WDCD) had a special significance for the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Fifteen years before, on 17 June 1994, the Convention was adopted.The WDCD is observed every year on 17 June. That year the Day's theme was "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 that WDCD, we reminded everyone that threat to soil security unleashed by desertification, land degradation and the effects of drought constitute a peril to securing our common future.The WDCD 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.To request further information, such as WDCD messages from United Nations officials or press releases in additional languages, as well as past campaign, press or awareness raising materials, please contact secretariat@unccd.int. 

Combating land degradation for sustainable agricultureIn order to work along the same lines with the 16th and 17th sessions of the third implementation cycle of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) focusing on the issues of Agriculture, Rural development, Land, Drought, Desertification, and Africa, the UNCCD Secretariat proposed that 2008 celebration of 17 of June to be focused around the themes of Combating Land Degradation for Sustainable Agriculture. This constituted a concrete way to support the discussions of the 16th session and provided useful inputs for the 17th CSD, next May in 2009.The issue is a real challenge in the modern society, both in developed and developing countries, as land degradation cannot be solved by the effort of one country alone due to the increasing concern on climate change. Land degradation intensifies agricultural economic losses, disorganizes local and regional food markets, and causes social and political instability. That year's celebration was also significant in the light of the adoption of the 10-year strategic plan and framework to enhance the implementation of the Convention (The Strategy) that became a turning point in the UNCCD process. The Strategy recognizes the convention as an instrument to prevent, control and reverse desertification/land degradation and also to contribute to the reduction of poverty while promoting sustainable development.The 2008 World Day to Combat Desertification has been celebrated all around the world. More than 40 events took place at local, regional, national and international level and included workshops, university lectures, cultural exhibitions, awareness raising and promotional activities such as competitions, plant sales, video and film projections and many others. National Governments, Universities, Civil society organizations, NGOs, international organizations, schools, medias and the private sector have all contributed to these celebrations.

The theme for 17 June this year is "Desertification and Climate Change - One Global Challenge". It highlights not only the significant synergy between the two environmental issues, but also their common objective of sustainable development.

Theme: "The Beauty of Deserts - The Challenge of Desertification"In 2006, there was double reason to celebrate the World Day to Combat Desertification (WDCD), because 2006 is the International Year of Deserts and Desertification (IYDD). Accordingly, the IYDD is the focus of the 2006 WDCD celebrations, and its message is reflected in the year's theme: "The Beauty of Deserts - The Challenge of Desertification".The WDCD is celebrated every year on 17 June all over the world in order to highlight the fact that desertification is of global concern and to strengthen the visibility and importance of the drylands issue on the international environmental agenda.That year attention was given - in addition to the world's deserts - to magnificent ecosystems, which have been home to ancient civilizations. The WDCD therefore also celebrated the fragile beauty and unique heritage of our deserts.2006 marks the tenth anniversary of the ratification of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the only internationally recognized, legally binding instrument that addresses the problem of land degradation in drylands and which enjoys a truly universal membership of 191 Parties in 2006. The Convention plays a key role in global efforts to eradicate poverty, achieve sustainable development and reach the Millennium Development Goals.17 June represents an opportunity to remind everyone that desertification can be effectively tackled through strengthened community participation and co-operation at all levels.Country Parties and civil society organizations were invited to organize events to celebrate this special WDCD to help raise awareness and galvanize action to meet this important challenge.To request further information, such as WDCD messages from United Nations officials or press releases in additional languages, as well as past campaign, press or awareness raising materials, please contact secretariat@unccd.int .

The theme of this year’s celebration is "Women and Desertification" to recognize and support the unique role women play in regions affected by desertification and drought, particularly in rural areas of developing countries.