Desertification and Drought Day 2024 to be observed in Germany

New Delhi: The global observance event of Desertification and Drought Day 2024, will take place on 17 June 2024 in Germany Bonn, to promote public awareness of international efforts to combat desertification.

The event will also mark the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), one of the three global agreements known as the Rio Conventions, alongside climate and biodiversity.

In line with this year’s slogan “United for Land: Our Legacy. Our Future”, this event will focus on ensuring healthy land for future generations, driving global prosperity and stability.

Join leaders from government, academia and civil society as we unite for land stewardship. Meet young changemakers from around the world who are working to restore land, boost resilience to drought, develop sustainable agricultural businesses, and harness technology and innovation to tackle global environmental challenges.

As per the United Nations Land degradation affects up to 40% of the world’s land area, resulting in the loss of 100 million hectares of healthy land each year – an area the size of Egypt. Droughts are up 29% since 2000, driven by climate change but also the way we manage our land.

Desertification, land degradation and drought threaten the world’s food supply, increase the risk of droughts, floods and wildfires, and are major drivers of conflict and forced migration.

A quarter (187 million) of the world’s rural youth (778 million) live in areas with the greatest potential for agriculture and trade. This is an important area for targeted development.

Investment in land restoration can yield significant economic returns, with up to $30 in benefits for every $1 invested. Engaging youth in food system transformation and land restoration can help create the estimated 600 million jobs needed by 2030.