•It aims to promote sustainable land management and practices to combat these pressing environmental issues.
•This year, the day has been organised under the theme, “United for Land: Our Legacy. Our Future.”
Image: ANDREW KASUKU
Desertification and Drought Day is observed on June 17 each year.
It is a global event designated by the United Nations to raise awareness about desertification, land degradation and drought.
The General Assembly of the United Nations, at its 92nd Plenary meeting in 1994, adopted a resolution that proclaimed June 17 as the World Day to Combat Desertification (WDCD).
The name was later changed to World Desertification and Drought Day. (When was the name changed?)
This year, the day has been organised under the theme, “United for Land: Our Legacy. Our Future.” (use past tense here because it was observed yesterday)..
It seeks to mobilise all parts of society in support of sustainable land stewardship.
The day aims to promote sustainable land management and practices to combat these pressing environmental issues. (avoid such words in your stories, just explain what are these pressing environmental issues)...
Desertification refers to the degradation of land in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas, primarily due to human activities and climatic variations. (try to get a source, eg according to UN, desertification is...... you can use those UN documents and treaties as source or any other credible voice..
It results in the loss of the land's productive capacity, turning fertile land into deserts.
Factors contributing to desertification include deforestation, overgrazing, improper agricultural practices and climate change.
Drought is a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water.
It affects crop production, water supply, and can lead to famine and displacement of populations.
Droughts can have devastating economic, social, and environmental impacts, particularly in regions heavily dependent on agriculture.
The day was established to focus on Increasing understanding of the urgent need to curb desertification and mitigate drought impacts, promote sustainable practices, encourage policy Advocacy and Global Cooperation
According to National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) the future of land in the country is at stake.
Desertification, land degradation and drought are among the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
"Already up to 40 per cent of all land area worldwide is already considered degraded," NEMA says.
Actions and initiatives intended to be driven include tree planting, water conservation, education and awareness programmess and policy Development.
"However, if we proceed with business as usual, we will pass on to them a legacy of degraded land and lost opportunities—jeopardizing their livelihoods and future," NEMA says.
Desertification and Drought Day serves as a reminder of the urgent need to protect and restore land and water resources.
By raising awareness and promoting sustainable practices, everyone can work towards a future where land degradation is minimised, and communities are resilient to the impacts of drought.
Collective action at local, national and global levels is essential to achieve this goal.
It is a good thing, but bring in the issue of Drought and Climate change, how are these two related? you can do more online research but from credible groups and scientists.