Basic Information about WDCD
World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought (WDCD) is an annual event observed on 17 June with an aim to highlight ways to prevent desertification and recover from drought.
Observed on: June 17
Organized by: UN, UNCCD
Introduced in: 1995 (UN Resolution)
Observed: Worldwide
About World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought (WDCD)
Every year June 17 is observed as the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought. This observation is conducted to highlight ways to prevent desertification and recover from drought. The observation also aims to promote public awareness of the issue, and the implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
In January 30, 1995 United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution to observe every year June 17 as WDCD. The day was first observed in 17 June 1995.
Activities and Programs on WDCD
Many programs are conducted around the world to spread the message of the observance. This include the forums and discussions about the issue, distribution of materials like calendars, posters, brochures, notices, etc. to raise awareness, seminars and competitions, etc.
Programs are conducted to restore traditional water sources. Encourages participation of different social group especially women in protecting and managing forests, water and land sustainability.
There were many campaigns are conducted to on this day to fight against desertification and drought. Social media campaigns are done with hashtags #WDCD and @UNCCD.
Theme for World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2020 Theme is “Food. Feed. Fibre – the links between consumption and land“
Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2019 Theme was “25 YEARS – Let’s grow the future together“
WDCD 2018 Theme was “Land has true value – invest in it“
WDCD 2017 Theme was “Our land. Our home. Our Future“
2016 Theme: Inclusive cooperation for achieving Land degradation Neutrality. Slogan: Protect Earth. Restore Land. Engage People.
2015 Theme: Attainment of food security for all through sustainable food systems
2014 Theme: Ecosystem-based adaptation. Slogan: Land Belongs to the Future, Let’s Climate Proof It
2013 Theme: Drought and water scarcity
2012 Theme: Healthy soil sustains your life: Let’s go land-degradation neutral
2011 Theme: Forests keep drylands working
2010 Theme: Enhancing soils anywhere enhances life everywhere
2009 Theme: Conserving land and energy = Securing our common future
2008 Theme: Combating land degradation for sustainable agriculture
2007 Theme: Desertification and Climate Change – One Global Challenge
2006 Theme: The Beauty of Deserts – The Challenge of Desertification
2005 Theme: Women and Desertification
2004 Theme: Social Dimensions of Desertification: Migration and Poverty
2003 Theme: International Year of Deserts and Desertification (IYDD)