Secretary-General’s message on World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2026

Rangelands are vast open spaces found in every climate, on every continent. 

They cover half the Earth’s land surface, supplying vital food and fibres, and sustaining over two billion people. They also play a crucial role as wildlife habitats and carbon sinks.

Yet up to fifty per cent of the world’s rangelands are now degraded or at risk.

These conditions threaten the global food system, harm local livelihoods, reduce biodiversity, and increase greenhouse gas emissions.

On this World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, we are issuing an urgent call to recognize and respect the world’s rangelands.

This means investing in restoration, especially water security;

Empowering rural communities through sustainable employment;

And forging solutions across borders through international cooperation.

This year also marks the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists – a chance to support the pastoralists and Indigenous Peoples whose traditional knowledge can help safeguard these ecosystems.

To protect our future, we must protect the land.

Together, let us ensure that rangelands everywhere thrive for generations to come.

Thank you.