June 17 – World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

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June 17, 1994, marked the adoption of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Paris.
June 17 is recognized globally as the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, established by the United Nations to raise awareness of the growing threat of land degradation. This issue is particularly acute in Central Asia, where up to 60% of agricultural land is at risk of degradation, and droughts are becoming increasingly frequent.

2025 Theme:

“United for Land. Our Legacy. Our Future: From Agreement to Action.”
The theme underscores the need for action at both local and regional levels—from farmers to policymakers. Only through collective efforts can we slow down and reverse land degradation and adapt to a changing climate.

This international observance serves not only as a reminder of the importance of sustainable natural resource management, but also of the crucial role of collaboration in preserving healthy land.

RELEVANT CONTRIBUTION OF THE REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL CENTRE FOR CENTRAL ASIA (CAREC):

CAREC plays a vital role in supporting the countries of the region, from high-level policy development to the implementation of practical solutions on the ground.

🔎 Climate Risk Assessment

CAREC supports research and assessments of ecosystem vulnerability to degradation, as well as analysis of drought- and desertification-related risks.

🌐 Development of CACIP — the Central Asian Climate Information Platform

Through the Knowledge Hub , users gain access to data, analysis, and best practices focused on combating land degradation and building climate resilience. CAREC invites all partners to use the platform and share their own initiatives to combat desertification and drought.

🤝 Strengthening Regional Cooperation

CAREC actively fosters dialogue and coordinated action among the countries of Central Asia through cooperation platforms, regional conferences, and joint processes.

In cooperation with the UNCCD Secretariat, CAREC contributed to the development of:

• the Regional Strategy on Sustainable Land Management, and

• the Regional Strategy to Combat Desertification and Drought in Central Asia.
  These documents provide a science-based framework for joint regional efforts and include an action plan for 2021–2030.

🌱 Supporting Sustainable Practices on the Ground

With support from the World Bank, CAREC coordinates and implements several projects aimed at preventing land degradation and promoting adaptation to climate change:

• The RESILAND CA+ initiative contributes to landscape restoration and the resilience of communities and ecosystems along transboundary rivers and degraded lands.

• The One Health initiative in Central Asia addresses the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, including sustainable land use and desertification control as a factor of public health protection.

Special emphasis is placed on nature-based solutions and community engagement in land restoration efforts.

📢 Education and Awareness

CAREC leads awareness-raising campaigns, training programs for professionals, farmers, and government officials to promote sustainable land management and combat land degradation.

On this day, CAREC calls on partners, experts, and civil society across the region to unite in the protection of our land.

Protect the land. Strengthen resilience. Shape a shared future.