Iran to Mark Desertification and Drought Day 2026 with Green Belt Project at Imam Khomeini Airport City

Kenya will host this year’s global observance of Desertification and Drought Day in partnership with the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) under the theme “Rangelands: Recognize. Respect. Restore.”

The global observance will highlight the central role of rangelands in climate resilience, food and water security, biodiversity conservation and the cultural identity of pastoralist and Indigenous communities. Kenya’s leadership also reflects its continued efforts to address land degradation, strengthen drought resilience and support communities living in dryland and rangeland areas.

UNCCD Executive Secretary Yasmine Fouad has emphasized that rangelands are vital for food, water, biodiversity and climate resilience, noting that by recognizing their value, respecting their traditional stewards and restoring them to health, countries can help strengthen the livelihoods of nearly two billion people.

Rangelands cover more than half of the world’s land surface, yet they remain among the most undervalued ecosystems. They are increasingly affected by climate change, land degradation and competing land uses. Up to half of all rangelands are already degraded or at risk, threatening food and water security, rural livelihoods and ecosystem services.

In line with the theme of Desertification and Drought Day 2026, the Islamic Republic of Iran will also organize a national event on 17 June 2026, corresponding to 27 Khordad 1405, in cooperation with Imam Khomeini Airport City Company. During the event, the Green Belt Project around Imam Khomeini Airport City will be inaugurated as a practical step toward combating desertification, protecting natural resources and promoting sustainable land management.

The ceremony is expected to be held with the participation of a number of ambassadors and representatives of specialized international organizations residing in Iran. The project reflects Iran’s commitment to land restoration, climate resilience and the sustainable management of ecosystems affected by drought and desertification.

Marked annually on 17 June, Desertification and Drought Day is the United Nations’ global moment to raise awareness of land degradation and drought and to mobilize action for the protection and restoration of healthy land. The 2026 observance coincides with the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists and provides an opportunity for countries to recognize the value of rangelands, respect the communities that have traditionally managed them and restore degraded landscapes for the benefit of people and nature.