World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2025
New York - Al-Shams Channel:
The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is observed annuallY on June 17, serving as an international occasion launched by the United Nations since 1994. This day aims to raise awareness about the dangers of land degradation and drought, encouraging governments and communities to take effective steps towards sustainable land use
Theme and Significance
The theme for 2025, "Restore the Land. Unlock the Opportunities," highlights the importance of land restoration in creating economic opportunities, enhancing food and water security, supporting climate action, and building resilient economies. Land degradation affects up to 40% of the world's land area, threatening the livelihoods of around 3 billion people. The United Nations estimates that every minute, an area equivalent to four football fields is lost due to land degradation.
Economic Benefits of Land Restoration
Investing in land restoration yields significant economic benefits, with every dollar invested generating returns between $7 and $30. However, current investments are insufficient, and the world needs approximately $1 billion daily until 2030 to combat desertification. The private sector's contribution is limited, accounting for only 6% of the total investment, emphasizing the need for strengthened partnerships and sustainable financing.
Message from the United Nations
UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that what's good for the land is good for people and economies. He warned that humanity is degrading land at an alarming rate, costing the global economy nearly $880 billion annually. The Secretary-General urged governments, businesses, and communities to accelerate action on sustainable land use commitments and boost finance for restoration.
International Efforts
Countries like Morocco, China, and the UAE have implemented successful initiatives to combat desertification through long-term planning, land restoration, and sustainable resource management. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification works with over 100 countries to achieve environmental sustainability and combat climate change.
Call to Action
The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2025 serves as a global call to address land degradation as both an environmental and economic challenge. Restoring land can reduce poverty, create jobs, safeguard water supplies, protect food production, and improve land rights and incomes, particularly for smallholder farmers and women. Let's act now to heal the land, seize opportunities, and improve lives ¹.[/LEFT]
The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is observed annuallY on June 17, serving as an international occasion launched by the United Nations since 1994. This day aims to raise awareness about the dangers of land degradation and drought, encouraging governments and communities to take effective steps towards sustainable land use
Theme and Significance
The theme for 2025, "Restore the Land. Unlock the Opportunities," highlights the importance of land restoration in creating economic opportunities, enhancing food and water security, supporting climate action, and building resilient economies. Land degradation affects up to 40% of the world's land area, threatening the livelihoods of around 3 billion people. The United Nations estimates that every minute, an area equivalent to four football fields is lost due to land degradation.
Economic Benefits of Land Restoration
Investing in land restoration yields significant economic benefits, with every dollar invested generating returns between $7 and $30. However, current investments are insufficient, and the world needs approximately $1 billion daily until 2030 to combat desertification. The private sector's contribution is limited, accounting for only 6% of the total investment, emphasizing the need for strengthened partnerships and sustainable financing.
Message from the United Nations
UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that what's good for the land is good for people and economies. He warned that humanity is degrading land at an alarming rate, costing the global economy nearly $880 billion annually. The Secretary-General urged governments, businesses, and communities to accelerate action on sustainable land use commitments and boost finance for restoration.
International Efforts
Countries like Morocco, China, and the UAE have implemented successful initiatives to combat desertification through long-term planning, land restoration, and sustainable resource management. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification works with over 100 countries to achieve environmental sustainability and combat climate change.
Call to Action
The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2025 serves as a global call to address land degradation as both an environmental and economic challenge. Restoring land can reduce poverty, create jobs, safeguard water supplies, protect food production, and improve land rights and incomes, particularly for smallholder farmers and women. Let's act now to heal the land, seize opportunities, and improve lives ¹.[/LEFT]