World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought was observed on June 17, 2021 to raise awareness on land degradation, desertification and drought. Theme of the day for year 2021 was ” Restoration, Land, Recovery”.
Highlights
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This day is a unique moment to remind everyone about land degradation neutrality which can be achieved through problem-solving, strong community involvement and co-operation across all the levels.
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On the occasion, Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change Prakash Javadekar highlighted that India is on track to achieve target of land degradation neutrality and will restore 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030.
World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
United Nations observe this day on June 17, every year. Its purpose is to raise awareness on existing desertification and drought and highlighting methods to prevent desertification & recovering from drought. This day was proclaimed by a United Nations General Assembly Resolution on January 30, 1995 following the day when United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification was drafted.
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
This day seeks to protect planet from degradation through sustainable consumption & production and sustainably managing its natural resources. It also takes urgent action on climate change to support the needs of present and future generations.
SDG Goal 15
This SDG focuses on “Life on Land”. It officially reads as “Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt & reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss”.