World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

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)


Click here for List of Important Days or UN Observations

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