Berlin (d.de) – The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2024. To mark the occasion, the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought will be held in Germany on 17 June 2024 – in Bonn, where the UNCCD is based. This was announced at the COP28 Climate Change Conference in Dubai by State Secretary for Development Jochen Flasbarth together with Ibrahim Thiaw, Executive Secretary of the UNCCD, and Katja Dörner, Mayor of the City of Bonn. In this way, Germany is sending out an important political signal to protect the foundation of human existence, namely healthy soils.
Up to ten million hectares of agricultural land are lost every year worldwide, in part due to the impact of climate but in part also due to unsustainable farming practices. As host of the World Day, Germany is positioning itself as a strong partner in the fight against desertification. Germany has supported the UNCCD politically and financially since the 1990s. But the Federal Government also provides bilateral support for its partner countries through the Development Ministry in the form of numerous local projects.