World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

June 17, 2026

In 2026, the theme “Grasslands: Recognize. Respect. Restore.” invites us to value the essential role of grasslands in the health of the planet and the well-being of communities. These ecosystems play fundamental roles in sustainable food production, biodiversity conservation, water resource protection, carbon storage, and adaptation to climate change.

Currently, about half of the world's grasslands are degraded or at risk of degradation, with significant impacts on food and water security, climate resilience, and the livelihoods of rural communities.

Desertification and drought constitute some of the most serious environmental challenges of our time, exacerbated by climate change and unsustainable land-use patterns. Their impacts are felt in biodiversity, water availability, ecosystem productivity, and the quality of life of populations.

The Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action warns of this problem and calls for everyone's commitment: protecting, restoring and valuing grasslands means preserving the balance of ecosystems, strengthening the resilience of territories and contributing to a more sustainable future for current and future generations.