UN Holidays - World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

Among the many holidays, there is such an unusual, but no less significant, as the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought. It is celebrated on June 17th. This date was not chosen by chance, but coincided with the anniversary of the adoption of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification on this day in 1994. The holiday itself was established by the UN General Assembly on January 30, 1995. Few of those who have not encountered such a phenomenon as drought have thought about the consequences of this phenomenon for all humanity. Therefore, the main goal of the holiday is to familiarize and attract the attention of the population to a problem that threatens the health of more than a billion people. Every year, drought and desertification cause losses of agricultural products worth several billion US dollars, and lead to the loss of biological fertility of lands that feed a large part of the world's population. The cause of drought is often human consumerism towards nature and its resources, leading to climate change on a planetary scale, to which not natural forces and phenomena are involved, but we, the people. Unfortunately, our country is also faced with the problem of drought. The most acute situation in this regard has developed in the Republic of Kalmykia. June 17 is a holiday for all environmental defenders - scientists and researchers of this problem, people specializing in environmental safety, as well as for those involved in environmental activities. Participants in the celebration are government and public structures, representatives of various charitable organizations, employees of foundations and movements. This day is celebrated traditionally in UN member countries: they organize conferences and round tables, and hold exhibitions dedicated to the problems of drought and desertification. Every year, World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought chooses a new theme and, accordingly, a slogan accompanying this theme. For example, such a “screaming” one as “Don’t let our future dry up”, and others like it, speaking for themselves. Traditionally, practical and symbolic events are held on this day, such as planting new trees, cultivating soil, holding various environmental events and demonstrations, and showing films about nature.