On June 17, the world observed the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought. The day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1994 and is observed annually on June 17 under the auspices of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). The purpose of the day is to raise awareness about land degradation, desertification, and the increasing risks of drought, which are now recognized as major global environmental challenges. This year’s global observance was hosted by Kenya in partnership with the UNCCD.
The theme for 2026 is “Rangelands: Recognize. Restore. Respect.” This year’s theme focuses on the importance of the world’s rangelands, highlighting their role in building climate resilience, ensuring food and water security, conserving biodiversity, and preserving the livelihoods and cultures of Indigenous Peoples and pastoral communities.
According to the United Nations, approximately 40% of the world’s land is already degraded, directly affecting food security, water resources, and the livelihoods of millions of people. In recent decades, drying trends have also intensified, with more than three-quarters of the Earth’s land area experiencing drying processes.
Armenia is also at risk of desertification, particularly in the context of climate change, increasing drought frequency, limited water resources, and unsustainable land use practices. In this context, sustainable land management, forest restoration, efficient use of water resources, and community-based environmental solutions are becoming priority areas. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), approximately 50% of Armenia’s arable land is either unused or used inefficiently, while land degradation, drought, salinization, and landslide processes continue to expand.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Armenia, the country is implementing several projects with support from international donors and state co-financing to achieve the goal of Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN).
Desertification in COP Process
Global policy efforts to combat desertification are coordinated through the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
The most recent conference, COP16, was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2024 under the slogan “Our Land. Our Future.” The conference was considered the largest in the history of the UNCCD process, bringing together more than 20,000 participants and focusing on land restoration, drought resilience, and sustainable land-use solutions.
The next conference, COP17, will be held from August 17–28, 2026, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, under the slogan “Restoring Land. Restoring Hope.” It will take place during the United Nations International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, highlighting the importance of protecting and restoring rangelands.
June 19, 2026 at 13:13