Why in News? 

• World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is annually observed on 17th June. 

About World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 

• Purpose: The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is observed globally every year on June 17 to raise awareness about land degradation, its environmental impact, and its threat to human communities. 
• Theme for 2025: "Restore the land. Unlock the opportunities" 

Background & Key Highlights 

• The Rio Earth Summit (1992) recognized desertification, biodiversity loss, and climate change as global challenges. 
• The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) was established in 1994 as a legally binding agreement. 
• The UN Decade for Deserts and the Fight against Desertification (2010–2020) was declared to stress global commitment.