17 June 2010 - World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

An International Convention to Combat Desertification in those countries experiencing serious drought and/or desertification, particularly in Africa, was adopted on 17 June 1994, and opened for signature on 14 October 1994. On 19 December 1994, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the 17 june the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought by resolution 49/115. States were invited to devote the World Day to promoting public awareness of the need for international cooperation to combat desertification and the effects of drought, and on the implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.
In 2011, the year celebrating Forests, the event has a particular meaning. A video of 12 minutes has been created to promote public awareness about the strict simbyosis between forests and drylands.

Forests Keep Drylands Working (excerpt)