By SHIKHA GOYAL
The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is observed every year on 17 June to spread awareness among people about the cooperation required to combat desertification and the effects of drought. No doubt that desertification and drought are main problems seen globally and affect all regions of the world. Let us read more about desertification and drought, how this day was decided to celebrate and what is the current theme 2019.
World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is a unique event that remind people in the world that land degradation neutrality can be achieved when there will be cooperation at all levels, strong involvement of the community and problem-solving. This day also celebrates the progress made by the countries on sustainable land management and what should be done in the world so that land degradation neutrality will provide a solid basis for poverty reduction, food, water security, climate change, mitigation and adaptation.
What is Desertification?
Desertification is the degradation of land in various areas like arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid. Primarily, it is caused by human activities and then by climatic variations. It does not mean expansion of existing deserts but it is caused due to dry land ecosystems, deforestation, over grazing, bad irrigation practices etc. which affects the productivity of the land.
World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2019: Theme
The theme of 2019 for World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is “Let’s Grow the Future Together”.
In 2019, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) celebrates the 25th years of progress made by countries on sustainable land management. Also, UNCCD looks broad picture for the next 25 years to achieve land degradation neutrality. The campaign slogan for 25th anniversary is “Let’s grow the future longer” which is supported by WDCD. The Convention (25th anniversary) on 17 June, 2019 is in Ankara and hosted by the government of Turkey.
World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought: History
Since 1995 the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is observed on 17 June, 2019. As, in 1994, the United Nations General Assembly declared 17 June as “The World Day to Combat Desertification” to raise public awareness about the issue and implementation of the United Nations convention to combat Desertification especially in those areas which is experiencing serious drought or desertification.
World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought: Key issues
– Land and Drought: According to UN, 1.8 billion people will experience absolute water scarcity by 2025 and 2/3 of the world will be living under water-stressed conditions.
– Land and Human Security: 135 million people by 2045 may be displaced due to desertification.
– Land and Climate: To store up to 3 billion tons of carbon annually, restoration of the soils of degraded ecosystems is required.
What are the goals of Desertification and the Sustainable Development?
The Agenda for Sustainable Development 2030 declares that “we are determined to protect the planet from degradation, including through sustainable consumption and production, sustainably managing its natural resources and taking urgent action on climate change, so that it can support the needs of the present and future generations”. Specifically, Goal 15 states our resolve to halt and reverse land degradation.
So, we can say that World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is an event to educate the public related to the issues of combating desertification and drought. This day also addresses problems caused due to drought and desertification.
Initiative by India during World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought:
On the occasion, Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change Prakash Javadekar said in a message that by turning land degradation into land restoration, people can realize the land’s full potential. He said the Day is a unique occasion to remind the global community that desertification can be effectively tackled, that solutions are possible, and that key tools to this aim lay in strengthened community participation and cooperation at all levels. He said, healthy and productive land can bring not only environmental but also significant economic gains.
Later addressing a function on the occasion in New Delhi, Mr Javadekar said, India will set an example in combating the desertification and cooperate with the world in this direction. He also listed out government’s initiatives per drop more crops, soil health card and neem coated urea for farmers to increase the area of cultivated land.
He emphasized the need for proper water management. The Minister said, in the last five years forest cover in the country has increased and the government is committed to improve it further. During the event, Mr Javadekar also launched a logo of COP-14 which will be held in India in September this year. In his address NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant reiterated the government’s commitment for betterment of farmer as well as environment protection.
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