World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought – June 17, 2025.
World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought – June 17, 2025.
Latest Context
Observed annually on June 17, this day in 2025 focuses on raising global awareness about the threats of desertification, land degradation, and drought (DLDD).
It aligns with the goals of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
Theme for 2025 (Expected/Indicative)
“Her Land. Her Rights. Land Restoration, Gender Equality and Resilience.” (Note: This theme continues from 2024 and may be extended into 2025 due to its global resonance.)
Background of the Day
Aspect
Details
First Observed
1995, designated by the UN General Assembly
UN Convention
UNCCD (1994) – only legally binding international agreement on DLDD
Objective
Promote awareness of desertification/drought and the importance of land
India’s Role
Party to UNCCD; hosted COP-14 in 2019 (New Delhi)
Desertification and Drought in India – Current Status (2025)
Statistic/Source
Key Insight
ISRO Desertification Atlas (2021)
29.7% of India’s land is undergoing degradation
States Most Affected
Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, MP, Telangana
Recent Drought Trends
Increasing frequency due to El Niño & climate change
Part of India’s 2030 target to restore 26 million hectares of land
Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP)
Encouraging natural farming to preserve soil
GS Paper Linkages
GS Paper
Relevance
GS Paper I
Geography – Land Degradation, Desertification
GS Paper III
Environment – Climate change, conservation, SDGs
Essay Paper
“Land restoration is the foundation of resilience.”
Challenges Ahead
Issue
Impact
Unsustainable farming practices
Lead to topsoil loss, salinisation
Deforestation and mining
Increase desertification in arid/semi-arid regions
Climate change
Enhances frequency of agro-droughts in major crop zones
Lack of data & monitoring
Inhibits early warning systems for drought
Practice Mains Question
“Land degradation and desertification pose serious threats to India’s food and water security. Discuss India’s approach to combat these twin challenges in light of international commitments.” (15 marks)
Way Forward
Scale up climate-resilient agriculture and agroforestry in vulnerable zones.
Strengthen remote sensing and early drought warning systems via ISRO/IMD.
Implement land restoration targets under India’s Bonn Challenge commitments.
Enhance community-based drought adaptation plans via local governance (Panchayati Raj).
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