Desertification is the degradation of land in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas. It is caused primarily by human activities and climatic variations. Desertification does not refer to the expansion of existing deserts. It occurs because dryland ecosystems, which cover over one third of the world‘s land area, are extremely vulnerable to overexploitation and inappropriate land use. Poverty, political instability, deforestation, overgrazing and bad irrigation practices can all undermine the productivity of the land.

The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is observed every year to promote public awareness of international efforts to combat desertification. The day is a unique moment to remind everyone that land degradation neutrality is achievable through problem-solving, strong community involvement and co-operation at all levels.

2018 Theme “Land has true value – invest in it.”

Your choices determine future scenarios for sustainable growth. The 2018 World Day to Combat Desertification campaign #2018WDCD urges you to move away from unsustainable land use and make a difference by investing in the future of land under the slogan, “Land has true value — invest in it.” (source)

Learn more at: http://www.un.org/en/events/desertificationday/ and https://www.unccd.int/news-events/2018-world-day-combat-desertification-2018wdcd

Watch: https://youtu.be/JcJ5_Y_bHaw