World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought in the United States

Date: June 17

History:

The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1994, following the adoption of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). This international day was created to highlight the urgent need to curb desertification, restore degraded land, and mitigate the effects of drought.

Traditions and Observance:

In the United States, this day is typically marked by:

• Awareness Campaigns: Government agencies like the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and environmental organizations launch campaigns to educate the public about desertification and drought issues.

• Events and Workshops: Universities, research institutes, and NGOs may host events or workshops focusing on sustainable land management practices.

• Media Coverage: Media outlets cover stories related to desertification and drought impact in different regions of the country.

• Partnership Initiatives: Collaboration between public-private partnerships aimed at promoting land conservation efforts.

• Community Actions: Tree planting activities, trash clean-ups, or local discussions on water conservation methods may be organized.

What People Do:

On World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, individuals in the U.S. might:

• Participate in local events or volunteer for restoration projects.

• Educate themselves on sustainable living practices that reduce pressure on land resources.

• Advocate for policies that address climate change, desertification, and water scarcity.

• Share information on social media using global campaigns' hashtags (e.g., #2018WDCD) to increase awareness.

While these actions are not exclusive traditions per se, they reflect common ways that individuals and organizations might engage with this international observance.