The Government of Kenya and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) announced that the next global observance of Desertification and Drought Day will be held on 17 June 2026 in Kenya under the theme: “Rangelands: Recognize. Respect. Restore.”
The 2026 observance in Kenya will highlight the central role of the world’s rangelands in climate resilience, food and water security, biodiversity conservation, and the cultural identity of pastoralist and Indigenous communities.
Rangelands cover more than half of the Earth’s land surface and support the lives of two billion people, including 500 million pastoralists who have stewarded these landscapes for generations.
Kenya’s decision to host the global observance was formally announced by Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa, who extended a warm invitation to the international community:
“On behalf of the Government of Kenya, we warmly welcome all Member States, partners, civil society and youth to join us as we shine a global spotlight on drought resilience, land restoration and the communities whose lives and livelihoods are shaped by these landscapes.”
UNCCD Executive Secretary Yasmine Fouad added:
“We thank the Government of Kenya for hosting Desertification and Drought Day 2026 and for highlighting the world’s rangelands. By recognizing their value, respecting traditional stewards, and restoring these lands, we can strengthen the livelihoods of two billion people.”
According to UNCCD, up to half of the world’s rangelands are degraded, with some disappearing faster than rainforests, putting food security, water availability, and pastoralist cultures at risk.
Desertification and Drought Day, marked annually on 17 June, is the United Nations’ global moment to raise awareness of land degradation and drought, and to mobilize action to protect and restore healthy land.
📌 Source: United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
