World Day to Combat Desertification

Today marks the global observance of World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought (17 June), a critical reminder of the urgent need to address land degradation—the deterioration of the land's productive capacity due to human activity and climatic variations. Spearheaded by the Secretariat of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), this annual event calls attention to the goal of achieving Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN)—a state where the amount and quality of land resources remain stable or improve over time.

The theme for this year, “Restore the land. Unlock the opportunities”, underscores how revitalising degraded lands can serve as a powerful catalyst for job creation, enhanced food and water security, stronger climate action, and greater economic resilience. In essence, land restoration is positioned not just as an environmental priority but also as a foundation for sustainable development and social stability.

In India, the day is being marked by a National Workshop on “Strategies for Combating Desertification and Drought”, inaugurated in Jodhpur by Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change Bhupender Yadav and Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. Hosted at the Arid Forest Research Institute (AFRI), the workshop brings together a diverse group of stakeholders—including scientists, policymakers, forest officials, and civil society organisations. It aligns closely with the global 2025 theme and aims to explore integrated strategies for climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable rural development, especially in arid and semi-arid regions.

Complementing these national efforts, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) is organizing a focused webinar under its Business for Environment (B4E) Series, titled ‘Forests and Finance: Unlocking the Power of Carbon Markets and REDD+’, scheduled for 3 PM today. This session will delve into how carbon markets—systems in which countries or entities trade carbon emission allowances—and REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, a UN initiative that provides financial incentives to developing countries for conserving forests) can mobilise climate finance and support nature-based solutions. These mechanisms not only promote forest conservation but also offer pathways to sustainable and resilient economic models.