Every June 17, the world unites to observe the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, a day dedicated to protecting our planet’s fertile lands from turning into barren deserts. This global event highlights the importance of healthy soil, sustainable land use, and water conservation to combat climate change and secure a better future for all. Desertification and drought don’t just harm farmers—they affect food security, livelihoods, and ecosystems worldwide. Let’s explore why this day matters, what’s happening globally and in India, and how we can all help save our Earth’s precious lands.
Why This Day Matters
Desertification is when fertile land degrades into dry, barren areas due to factors like deforestation, overgrazing, or climate change. Drought, on the other hand, is a prolonged lack of water that worsens land degradation. Together, they threaten agriculture, biodiversity, and human survival. The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought raises awareness about these issues and inspires action to restore degraded lands and manage resources wisely.
The History Behind the Day
In 1994, the United Nations created the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), based in Bonn, Germany, to tackle land degradation globally. A year later, in 1995, the first World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought was celebrated. The goal? To promote sustainable land practices and ensure fertile soil for future generations.
The Global and Indian Land Crisis
Our planet has about 13.2 billion hectares of land, but only 1.4 billion hectares (10.6%) are suitable for farming. Shockingly, 20-25% of Earth’s land is already degraded or desertified, making it less productive or unusable. In India, the situation is serious too. Out of 328.7 million hectares of total land, 159.7 million hectares are arable, but 96.4 million hectares (29.3%) are degraded or barren, according to 2021 data. This loss of fertile land threatens food production and rural livelihoods.
India’s Efforts to Save Its Land
India is a proud member of the UNCCD and even hosted the UNCCD COP-14 in 2019. The country has committed to restoring 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030, aiming for Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN)—a balance where no more land is lost than restored. To achieve this, the government has launched several impactful programs:
- National Green India Mission: Plants trees and restores forests to protect soil.
- Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Promotes water conservation to prevent drought.
- Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): Ensures efficient irrigation for sustainable farming.
- MGNREGA Land Works: Improves soil and water conservation in rural areas.
- Afforestation Programs: Encourages large-scale tree planting across the country.
Simple Ways to Protect Our Land
Everyone can play a part in combating desertification and drought. Here are practical steps we can take:
- Plant More Trees: Trees anchor soil, prevent erosion, and cool the planet.
- Choose Organic Farming: Avoid chemical fertilizers to keep soil healthy and fertile.
- Conserve Soil: Use techniques like contour bunding or terrace farming to protect soil from washing away.
- Save Water: Practice rainwater harvesting and use water wisely to prevent drought.
- Manage Waste: Reduce plastic use and dispose of waste properly to keep land clean.
- Spread Awareness: Educate friends and family about sustainable practices to inspire collective action.
what to do…
The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought reminds us that healthy land is the foundation of life. By working together—governments, communities, and individuals—we can restore degraded lands, fight climate change, and ensure fertile soil for future generations. Let’s take small steps today, like planting a tree or conserving water, to make a big difference for our planet’s tomorrow.