UN observes June 17 –The “World Day to combat desertification”

(June 17, 2009) “Desertification and land degradation, affect one third of the Earth’s surface, threatening the livelihoods, well-being and development of nearly one billion people,” said United Nations Secretary General Ban ki Moon in his message for “World Day to combat desertification” observed on Wed. (June 17^th.) Faced with long periods of drought, famine and deepening poverty, many people leave the land, said Ban’s message, pointing out that there are already an estimated 24 million environmentally induced migrants. The message warned that this number could rise to 200 million by 2050.
The “World Day to combat desertification”, is held to create an awareness of the growing threat to national and regional stability posed by desertification. According to UN estimates, nearly one-third of the world’s cropland has become unproductive and been abandoned in the past 40 years. Stating that climate change is one of the contributing factors to this situation, Ban’s message notes that as usual, the poor will be the first victims and the last to recover.
In conclusion, Ban’s message calls on everyone to recognize the risks of letting desertification advance unchecked. It points out that by combating climate change, we can help to reverse desertification, increase agricultural productivity, alleviate poverty and enhance global security.