General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity & climate change
Why it Matters?
World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2025 marked the launch of the revised Green India Mission (2021–2030), focusing on restoring vulnerable ecosystems like the Aravallis, Western Ghats, and mangroves through a micro-ecosystem approach to achieve land degradation neutrality.
What You Should Know?
Observed On: Celebrated every year on 17 June to raise awareness about desertification, land degradation, and drought (DLDD).
Declared By: Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1994 after adopting the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
Organized By: Led globally by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
2025 Theme: "Restore the Land. Unlock the Opportunities" focuses on turning land restoration into sustainable opportunities.
Global Host Country (2025): Colombia hosted the 2025 observance at the midpoint of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030).
Purpose: Aims to combat land degradation and promote sustainable land use practices for achieving Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) by 2030.
Key Focus (2025): Restoring 1.5 billion hectares of degraded land and creating a global restoration economy.
Related Global Goal: Linked to Sustainable Development Goal 15 – Life on Land.
Major Global Initiatives Highlighted: G20 Global Land Restoration Initiative, Great Green Wall, Bonn Challenge.
India’s National Plan: India’s National Action Plan to Combat Desertification (2023) aligns with UNCCD goals and focuses on sustainable land management.