World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2022; June 17th.

FORUM:"Rising up from drought together.''  World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2022.

Drought is one of the most destructive natural disasters in terms of the loss of life, arising from impacts, such as widescale crop failure, wildfires and water stress. Exacerbated by land degradation and climate change, droughts are increasing in frequency and severity, up 29% since 2000, with 55 million people affected every year. By 2050, droughts may affect an estimated three-quarters of the world’s population. It’s a global and urgent issue. Follow the converstion with the hastags #United4Land

EVENTS How can we contribute from gastronomy to fight against desertification?
Join us for a culinary experience for the World Day to Fight Desertification and Drought.
on June 16th, 2022 at 18:00, Arab House, Madrid.

Statements

• Statement by QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General on World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2022; June 17th.
• Statement by Ibrahim Thiam; UNCCD Excecutive Secretary on World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2022; June 17th.
• Ms. Patricia Espinosa, Executive Secretary United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
• Ms. Elizabeth Mrema, Executive Secretary United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity 

Key messages

• Droughts have always been a part of nature and the human experience but are now much worse largely due to human activity.
• Hardly any country is immune to drought, but all countries can prepare better to tackle drought effectively.
• Drought is daunting, as its effects on people’s lives and livelihoods are devastating. But through ingenuity, commitment and solidarity, it can be addressed successfully.
• Tools are available to assess drought risk. Solutions exist to ensure lives and livelihoods are no longer lost to drought.
• Everyone can participate in actions that increase our collective resilience because every action counts.
• Take action on this year’s Desertification and Drought Day and beyond
• Action can be taken at all levels, from citizens, businesses, governments and UN partners, everyone can come on board and lend a helping hand to rise up from drought together.

CAMPAIGN Droughtland campaign.

Thirsty for adventure? Dare to explore the one-of-a-kind experiences of Droughtland, the country with dryness of land, but not of spirit.

ACTIONS
The World Day to Cpmbat Desertification and Drought 2022 campaign  is a catalyst for action to be continued throughout the year:

1. As an individual, join the #Droughtland Campaign. Sign a pledge to keep your country from becoming a Droughtland – a nation plagued by drought; send a special Droughtland postcard or information booth; tag, post, share and inspire hope. Change your habits and share your actions. Visit https://droughtland.com/ to learn more.
2. Don’t stop on the day, schedule a monthly save-the-water-day. Grow your influence on- and off-line to promote sound water management and drought impact mitigation. Organize drought awareness events. Talk to your community. Seek out drought-mitigator champions and promote their initiatives.
3. Support communities to tackle drought head-on. No amount of early warning will work without action to protect the most vulnerable. Set up drought insurance programmes, establish food banks, build capacity and campaign for water-efficient food production.
4. Regenerate your land. When land is healthy, land is natural storage for fresh water. If it is degraded, it is not. Plant and consume drought-tolerant crops. Irrigate efficiently. Recycle and reuse water. Reduce water evaporation and soil erosion. Opt for a diverse plant-based diet.
5. Engage with schools. Educate, communicate and activate through children and youth.
6. Investigate and disseminate practical drought resilience ideas and inform local communities about the most appropriate actions for their soil and land types. Invest in projects that promote solar-powered water pumps and rainwater harvesting for drought-prone communities.
7. Share your stories about drought risks and resilience with the world.