Why in news?
The United Nations observed the 2026 World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought on 17 June with the theme “Rangelands: Recognize. Respect. Restore.” Kenya hosted the global event to highlight the critical role of rangelands and pastoralists in sustaining ecosystems, livelihoods and climate resilience.
Background
The UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) established this day in 1995 to raise awareness about land degradation, drought and sustainable land management. In 2026 the focus shifted to rangelands in line with the UN‑declared International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP). Rangelands include grasslands, shrublands, savannas and drylands that cover more than half of Earth’s land surface and support around two billion people.
Key messages
- Recognize: Rangelands are often undervalued despite providing food, water, carbon storage and cultural identity. The 2026 theme calls for recognising their economic and ecological contributions.
- Respect: Pastoralists and Indigenous communities manage rangelands sustainably. Governments and societies must respect traditional knowledge and land rights.
- Restore: Up to half of the world’s rangelands are degraded or at risk. Restoring soils, vegetation and water cycles through sustainable grazing, re‑seeding and community participation is essential for resilience.
- Policy focus: Speakers urged investment in drought preparedness, sustainable pastoralism and climate‑resilient livelihoods ahead of UNCCD COP 17 in Mongolia later in 2026.
Conclusion
The 2026 desertification day reminded the world that healthy rangelands underpin food security and biodiversity. Recognising, respecting and restoring these landscapes will help combat drought and land degradation and support pastoral communities.