This year, Kenya hosts the global observance of Desertification and Drought Day in partnership with the UN Convention to Combat Desertification under the theme “Rangelands: Recognize. Respect. Restore.”
The event will highlight the central role of the world’s rangelands in climate resilience, food and water security, biodiversity conservation and the cultural identity of pastoralist and Indigenous communities. Kenya’s leadership reflects its ongoing efforts to address land degradation, strengthen drought resilience and support communities living in dryland and rangeland areas.
The event will be held on 17th June, 2026 in Vipingo Central Primary School, Kilifi County.
NEMA is coordinating preparation of the celebrations through the National Steering Committee.
The global observance will highlight the central role of the world’s rangelands in climate resilience, food and water security, biodiversity conservation and the cultural identity of pastoralist and Indigenous communities. Kenya’s leadership reflects its ongoing efforts to address land degradation, strengthen drought resilience and support communities living in dryland and rangeland areas.
Rangelands cover more than half of the world’s land surface yet remain among the most undervalued ecosystems. They face increasing pressures from climate change, land degradation and competing land uses. Up to half of all rangelands are already degraded or at risk, jeopardizing food and water security, climate resilience and rural livelihoods.
Coinciding with the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, the 2026 global observance will draw attention to the need to recognize and value rangelands for the critical functions they provide, respect the traditional stewards who have cared for them for generations and restore degraded landscapes to secure livelihoods and ecosystem services.
