Every year on 17 June, the international community marks Desertification and Drought Day, a United Nations observance dedicated to raising awareness of land degradation and drought and mobilizing action to protect and restore land resources.
In 2026, the global observance is hosted by Kenya in partnership with the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) under the theme “Rangelands: Recognize. Respect. Restore.”
The 2026 theme highlights the critical role of rangelands in climate resilience, food and water security, biodiversity conservation and the preservation of the traditional livelihoods of pastoralist and Indigenous communities.
Rangelands cover more than half of the Earth’s land surface and support the livelihoods of nearly two billion people, including more than 500 million pastoralists. These ecosystems also store nearly one-third of the world’s terrestrial carbon, making them essential for climate regulation and biodiversity conservation.
Despite their importance, rangelands remain among the world’s most undervalued ecosystems. According to estimates, up to half of all rangelands are already degraded or at risk of degradation, threatening food and water security, climate resilience and the well-being of rural communities.
Land degradation and drought cost the global economy nearly USD 900 billion each year, while drought alone accounts for approximately USD 300 billion in annual losses. Since 2000, the economic impacts of drought have increased by almost one-third, affecting not only local communities but also food systems, economies and social stability across borders.
In her message for Desertification and Drought Day 2026, the Executive Secretary of the UNCCD emphasized that the time has come to move from recognition to large-scale action. Special attention was given to the role of pastoralists, Indigenous Peoples and local communities whose knowledge, stewardship and traditional land management practices are essential for maintaining and restoring healthy rangeland ecosystems.
According to the UNCCD, every dollar invested in land restoration can generate between USD 7 and USD 30 in economic returns, making restoration not only an environmental necessity but also a sound economic investment.
The 2026 observance also coincides with the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, drawing global attention to the need to recognize the value of rangelands, respect their traditional stewards and restore degraded landscapes.
Desertification and Drought Day serves as a reminder that restoring land is one of the key pathways to achieving sustainable development, strengthening climate resilience and securing a better future for present and future generations.
