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2011 World Day to Combat Desertification

"Forests keep drylands working"
World Day to Combat Desertification (WDCD) is observed every year on 17 June all over the world. The aim of the United Nations in designating a day of observance is to sensitize the public and policy makers to the increasing dangers of desertification, land degradation and drought for the international community.
Observance events are designed to get everyone to undertake at least one action each year to help minimize the threat highlighted. Because 2011 is the International Year on Forests, this year’s WDCD will focus specifically on the forests in the drylands areas of the world.
Environmental film director John Liu, creator of "Hope in a Changing Climate", has created a 12-minute film to celebrate the World Day to Combat Desertification (WDCD), which is observed this year with the slogan "Forests keep drylands working".
Watch the 2011 WDCD film "Forests keep drylands working"
Watch John Liu's interview with World Today - BBC World Service