World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2025: Restoring Land, Unlocking Opportunities

June 17, Kathmandu: The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is being observed globally, including in Nepal, today. The 2025 theme, “Restore the Land, Unlock the Opportunities,” calls for restoring 1.5 billion hectares of degraded land worldwide to enhance job creation, food security, water security, and economic growth.

In Nepal, the day is marked with programs raising awareness about land degradation and drought. Soil fertility in the hilly and Terai regions is declining due to deforestation, overgrazing, and excessive use of chemical fertilisers. Community-led efforts for land restoration and sustainable practices are being promoted to tackle these challenges.

The global message of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) emphasises that restoring degraded land can unlock opportunities for employment, food and water security, and economic prosperity. Nepal’s initiatives align with this vision, focusing on sustainable land management to build a resilient future.