Bhupender Yadav Presides World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is observed every year on 17 June under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). The day serves as a global platform to raise awareness and promote action against desertification, land degradation and drought. Shri Yadav also released a Special Issue of Indian Forester and India’s Second Progress Report on the Bonn Challenge (2011–2020).

Addressing an event to commemorate the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2026 at Indira Paryavaran Bhawan in New Delhi today, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav said that India’s approach demonstrates that the convergence of policy commitment, scientific innovation and public participation can make environmental restoration an effective pathway towards sustainable development.

Announcing that India has already brought 21.76 million hectares of land under restoration efforts against its target of restoring 26 million hectares by 2030 under the Bonn Challenge, the Minister said the country has consistently advanced sustainable land management as a Party to UNCCD. On the occasion,

Speaking on the occasion, Director General of Forests & Special Secretary (DGF&SS) Shri Sushil Kumar Awasthi emphasized the importance of restoring degraded landscapes, promoting sustainable forest management and strengthening community participation to combat land degradation and enhance climate resilience. Secretary, MoEFCC, Shri Tanmay Kumar highlighted the Government’s commitment to ecosystem restoration and sustainable land management through coordinated efforts under various national missions and programmes.

Dr Angela Lusigi Resident Representative UNDP appreciated India’s initiatives in landscape restoration and reaffirmed the support of the United Nations Development Programme in advancing nature-based solutions, fostering partnerships, and promoting inclusive actions to address desertification and drought while contributing to sustainable development goals.।(UPDATED ON 17TH JUNE 2026)