This year’s Desertification and Drought Day focuses on one of the most urgent global challenges: restoring 1.5 billion hectares of degraded land and jumpstarting a trillion-dollar land restoration economy by 2030.

Under the theme "Restore the land. Unlock the оpportunities," the 2025 observance shines a light on how restoring nature’s foundation—land—can create jobs, boost food and water security, support climate action and build economic resilience.

Why land restoration matters

More than half of global GDP relies on healthy ecosystems. Yet each year, an area the size of Egypt is degraded, driving biodiversity loss, increasing drought risk and displacing communities. The ripple effects are global—from rising food prices to instability and migration.

But restoring land flips the script. Every dollar invested in restoration generates USD7 to USD30 in returns. Reviving land restores productivity, strengthens water cycles and supports millions of rural livelihoods.

“Land degradation and drought are major disruptors of our economy, stability, food production, water and quality of life,” said UNCCD Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw. “Land restoration is our chance to reverse these threats and create new possibilities.”

A turning point for the planet

As we reach the midpoint of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030), action is more urgent than ever. To meet global goals, 1.5 billion hectares must be restored by 2030. So far, 1 billion hectares have been pledged through initiatives like the G20 Global Land Restoration Initiative and the Great Green Wall Initiative.

Now is the time to turn ambition into action.

Scaling up investment

The financial case is clear, but action must follow. According to UNCCD Global Mechanism, the world needs to invest USD1 billion every day between 2025 and 2030 to stop and reverse land degradation. Current investments fall short at USD66 billion annually, with only 6 per cent coming from the private sector.

We need to scale up ambition and investment by both governments and businesses. This means unlocking new finance, creating decent jobs, embracing innovation and making the most of traditional knowledge.

About the Day

Desertification and Drought Day, designated by the UN General Assembly in 1994, is observed annually on 17 June. It raises awareness and promotes solutions to desertification, land degradation and drought.

(Source: https://www.unccd.int/events/desertification-drought-day/2025)