World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is an international observance held annually on June 17. The day aims to draw attention to land degradation issues such as desertification and drought, promote the sustainable use of land resources, raise environmental awareness, and support efforts to mitigate the economic, social, and ecological impacts of desertification.

History

The United Nations General Assembly designated June 17 as the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought through resolution A/RES/49/115 on December 30, 1994.^【1】  This decision was taken to highlight the global effects of desertification and drought and to strengthen international cooperation. The primary motivation for establishing the day is that approximately 2 billion people are directly affected by desertification and drought, which significantly impact food security, employment, and migration.

Global Importance and Impacts

Worldwide, desertification and land degradation are directly linked to soil loss, reduced biodiversity, and drought. Land degradation affects approximately 40% of the Earth’s surface, resulting in the loss of land equivalent to four football fields every minute. This situation leads to decreased food production, depletion of water resources, increased unemployment and migration, and the disruption of ecosystems.^【2】 

Drought and desertification are particularly prevalent in Africa and Asia, exerting severe pressures on human livelihoods and economic activities. Global warming and climate change are among the primary drivers increasing the risk of desertification. In addition, overconsumption and inappropriate land use are human-induced factors accelerating land degradation.

Institutional and International Efforts

The United Nations and its agencies provide scientific and technical support in combating desertification and drought. UNESCO contributes expertise in land management and water resources through programs such as the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) and the Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB). Furthermore, the United Nations has set global targets under the “Ecosystem Restoration Decade” (2021–2030) to restore degraded lands and protect natural capital.

Current international goals include the restoration of 1.5 billion hectares of land by 2030 and the revitalization of the land restoration economy, supporting environmental sustainability and economic resilience.

Situation and Measures in Türkiye

Türkiye, due to its geographic location, topography, climate, and soil characteristics, is among the countries most vulnerable to desertification and drought. In this context, the “National Strategy and Action Plan to Combat Desertification” covering the period 2019–2030 has been prepared and implemented.

According to national studies, while 500 million tons of soil were lost annually to erosion in the 1970s, measures have reduced this amount to 140 million tons. The target is to decrease annual soil loss to 150 million tons or below by 2025.^【3】 

Türkiye has developed a desertification sensitivity map to identify high-risk areas. Under the Land Degradation Neutrality Project, a decision-support system has been established and is being applied to guide policymakers in determining appropriate activities in sensitive areas.

Theme and Emphasis

The 2025 World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought has been highlighted under the theme “Restore Soil. Unlock Opportunities.” The theme emphasizes the economic and environmental benefits of land restoration. Land restoration has the potential to create employment, enhance food and water security, combat climate change, and strengthen economic resilience.