World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

The World Day Against Desertification and Drought is celebrated every year on 17 June. In 2023, the global theme of the day focuses on women's rights on land, which are essential to achieving the global goals of gender equality and neutrality of land degradation by 2030, contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) reaffirms its commitment to gender equality with the goals of World Desertification and Drought Day 2023: to raise awareness of the disproportionate impact of desertification, land degradation and drought on women, to highlight their contribution to sustainable land management and to mobilise global support to promote their land rights. This year, the global celebration of the Day will be held at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

Desertification and drought represent two interconnected threats that endanger fertile lands in many parts of the world. While desertification refers to the transformation of formerly fertile land into arid and desert-like areas, drought indicates the prolonged lack of rainfall that causes water scarcity. Both of these phenomena are closely related and feed off each other. Prolonged drought can accelerate the process of desertification, while the loss of fertile soils can make regions more vulnerable to drought. This lethal combination creates a vicious cycle that jeopardises food security, the balance of ecosystems and the survival of local communities.

Desertification and drought have significant impacts on the environment and the lives of local communities. These interconnected phenomena threaten biodiversity and food security in many regions of the world. Desertification drastically reduces the capacity of ecosystems to support a wide range of plant and animal species. The loss of habitats and the scarcity of food resources put the survival of many species at risk, contributing to extinction and the disruption of ecological balances. At the same time, prolonged drought, characterised by a lack of rainfall, aggravates the situation. Plants cannot survive, animals struggle to find water and food, and farming communities are affected by the scarcity of water resources for irrigating fields. Tackling the devastating impacts on biodiversity and food security caused by desertification and drought is therefore crucial.

Tackling desertification and drought requires effective measures for sustainability and resource conservation. Sustainable soil management, through conservation agriculture and crop rotation, is key to preserving soil fertility and reducing erosion. Regeneration projects, such as 3Bee's Biodiversity Oases, play a crucial role in combating desertification. Biodiversity Oases are urban and agroforestry habitats of biodiversity, certified and traceable thanks to 3Bee technology, promoting the conservation of native flora and pollinators. Investing in education and sensitisation of local communities is equally essential to promote sustainable agricultural practices and protect fertile land. An integrated approach between soil management, regeneration projects and community involvement can effectively contribute to combating desertification and drought.

Land degradation and desertification represent a global threat with direct and indirect consequences for billions of people. According to the Global Land Outlook, 70% of ice-free areas have been altered by human activity, and it is estimated that by 2050 this percentage could reach 90%. Currently, around 500 million people live in areas with the highest level of degradation, which can be defined as desertification. In Europe, the Mediterranean basin is strongly affected by desertification. Even Italy shows clear signs of degradation, with about 28% of the territory affected, mainly in the southern regions (source ISPRA). However, some northern regions such as Veneto, Piedmont and Emilia Romagna are also affected. These degradation phenomena threaten the provision of ecosystem services that are fundamental for human life and are the result of over-exploitation, aggravated by climate change.

To effectively counter the growing threat of soil degradation, concrete measures are needed. The European Soil Strategy 2030, presented in November 2021 together with the European Biodiversity Strategy, proposes concrete initiatives for the protection and sustainable restoration of soils by 2050. In this context, the UNCCD (United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and the Effects of Drought) represents the global reference framework to tackle desertification and the effects of drought, with the aim of achieving neutrality of land degradation, in line with the Agenda 2030. In this important challenge, Italy is actively committed to achieving operational targets that reduce land degradation to zero (source ISPRA). 3Bee, in tune with this mission, contributes with its Oases of Biodiversity, which promote the regeneration of soils and the conservation of biodiversity.

The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought reminds us of the importance of preserving our planet's fertile lands. Meeting this challenge requires a collective commitment to adopt concrete measures that are sustainable. From soil protection to the promotion of biodiversity, every action counts in combating desertification and mitigating the impacts of drought. Projects such as 3Bee's Oases of Biodiversity offer a model of regeneration of desertified lands, promoting the conservation of native flora and the restoration of habitats for pollinators. It is also crucial to invest in education and awareness-raising. Together, we can build a future where fertile lands are protected, the balance of ecosystems is preserved, and local communities can thrive. Saving our planet from desertification is an essential commitment to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.