Through Desertification and Drought Day 2026, countries and communities are invited to:
Recognize rangelands’ economic contribution to national and regional economies, their role in sustaining biodiversity and wildlife and the multiple benefits they provide, from regulating water cycles to storing carbon
Respect pastoralists, Indigenous Peoples and local communities, whose mobility, customary governance systems and ecological knowledge are essential to maintaining the health and productivity of these landscapes
Restore rangelands by investing in sustainable land and water management, strengthening governance, improving drought preparedness and supporting community-led restoration efforts
Marked every year on June 17th, the Desertification and Drought Day is the United Nations’ global moment to raise awareness of land degradation and drought and to mobilize action to protect and restore healthy land. Desertification and Drought Day 2026 in Kenya will be the first time in nearly a decade that the African continent hosts the global observance.
On Desertification and Drought Day, we call on the world to recognize and protect rangelands, the vast ecosystems covering half the Earth's land surface and sustaining over two billion people. Up to 50 per cent of the world's rangelands are now degraded or at risk, threatening food systems, livelihoods, biodiversity, and climate stability. This year also marks the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP 2026) — a global opportunity to support the pastoralists and Indigenous Peoples whose traditional knowledge is essential to safeguarding these landscapes. The call for investment in restoration and water security, sustainable employment for rural communities, and international cooperation across borders. To protect our future, we must protect the land. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #RestoringLand, #RestoringHope, #IYRP2026, #UNCCDCOP17.
Statement of the United Nations, Secretary-General's for Desertification and Drought Day 2026.
Recognize rangelands’ economic contribution to national and regional economies, their role in sustaining biodiversity and wildlife and the multiple benefits they provide, from regulating water cycles to storing carbon
Respect pastoralists, Indigenous Peoples and local communities, whose mobility, customary governance systems and ecological knowledge are essential to maintaining the health and productivity of these landscapes
Restore rangelands by investing in sustainable land and water management, strengthening governance, improving drought preparedness and supporting community-led restoration efforts
Marked every year on June 17th, the Desertification and Drought Day is the United Nations’ global moment to raise awareness of land degradation and drought and to mobilize action to protect and restore healthy land. Desertification and Drought Day 2026 in Kenya will be the first time in nearly a decade that the African continent hosts the global observance.
EVENTS: On June 17th, Kenya hosts the global observance of Desertification and Drought Day 2026 in partnership with UNCCD under the theme “Rangelands: Recognize. Respect. Restore.” The global observance 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. Kenya’s leadership reflects its ongoing efforts to address land degradation, strengthen drought resilience and support communities living in dryland and rangeland areas. The Registration for the Global Observance, the Agenda Programme for June 17 and the Information note for participants.
Rangelands are vast open spaces found in every climate on every continent. They cover half the hear land surface supplying vital food and fibers and sustaining over two billion people. They also play a crucial role as wildlife habitats and carbon sinks. Yet up to 50% of the world's rangelands are now degraded or at risk. These conditions threaten the global food system, harm local livelihoods, reduce biodiversity, and increase greenhouse gas emissions.
On this world day of combat desertification and drought, we are issuing an urgent call to recognize and respect the world's rangelands.
This means investing in restoration, especially water security, empowering rural communities through sustainable employment and forging solutions across borders through international cooperation.
This year also marks the international year of rangelands and pastoralists. A chance to support the pastoralists and indigenous peoples whose traditional knowledge can help safeguard those ecosystems.
To protect our future, we must protect the land. Together, let us ensure that French lands everywhere thrive for generations to come.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.
The UNCCD Executive Secretary Yasmine Fouad said: “We thank the Government of Kenya for hosting Desertification and Drought Day 2026 and for shining a spotlight on the world’s rangelands. These landscapes are vital for food, water, biodiversity and climate resilience. Kenya’s leadership comes at a crucial moment, as rangelands face increasing pressure worldwide. By recognising their value, respecting their traditional stewards and restoring rangelands back to health, we can strengthen the livelihoods of two billion people.”
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