Why in News?
The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is observed globally on June 17 every year. The day commemorates the adoption of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
Key Facts for Prelims: UNCCD
- Origin: Conceived at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit (UNCED)
- Formally Adopted: 1994 in Paris
- Came into Force: 1996
- Significance: The only legally binding international agreement linking environmental conservation directly to sustainable land management
- Focus: Addresses desertification, land degradation, and drought (DLDD)
- India’s Target: Restore 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030 — Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN)
The Three Rio Conventions (1992)
| Convention | Focus | Adopted | In Force |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNCCD | Desertification, Land Degradation, Drought | 1994 | 1996 |
| UNFCCC | Climate Change | 1992 | 1994 |
| CBD | Biodiversity Conservation | 1992 | 1993 |
Trap / Confusing Points
| Confusion | Correct Fact |
|---|---|
| UNCCD was adopted at Rio 1992 | UNCCD was conceived at Rio 1992 but formally adopted in 1994 in Paris |
| Desertification Day is June 5 | June 5 = World Environment Day; June 17 = Desertification and Drought Day |
| UNCCD focuses on climate change | UNCCD focuses on desertification, land degradation, drought; UNFCCC handles climate change |
| India targets 30 million ha restoration | India’s target is 26 million hectares by 2030 |
Practice MCQs
1. World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is observed on which date?
a. June 5
b. June 8
c. June 17
d. June 21
Ans: C
June 17 commemorates the adoption of UNCCD.
2. UNCCD was formally adopted in which year and city?
a. 1992, Rio de Janeiro
b. 1994, Paris
c. 1996, New York
d. 2000, Bonn
Ans: B
UNCCD was formally adopted in 1994 in Paris.
3. UNCCD is the only legally binding agreement linking environmental conservation to?
a. Renewable energy targets
b. Sustainable land management
c. Marine biodiversity protection
d. Climate financing
Ans: B
UNCCD uniquely links environmental conservation to sustainable land management.
4. India’s target for restoration of degraded land under LDN?
a. 15 million hectares
b. 20 million hectares
c. 26 million hectares
d. 30 million hectares
Ans: C
India committed to restoring 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030.
5. Which Rio Convention focuses on desertification and land degradation?
a. UNFCCC
b. CBD
c. UNCCD
d. Ramsar Convention
Ans: C
UNCCD specifically addresses desertification, land degradation, and drought.
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