Environment Ministry marks World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

AMMAN — The Ministry of Environment on Saturday joined the international community in celebrating the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, annually celebrated on June 17.

This year’s global observance was held under the title “Her Land, Her Rights: Advancing Gender Equality and Land Restoration Goals” at the UN. 

The theme was adapted by the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), as drought has become the largest environmental problem threatening global security and stability, and exposes it to serious repercussions such as a lack of water and food resources, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

On the occasion, Environment Minister Muawieh Radaideh highlighted the importance of enhancing public awareness of international efforts to combat desertification.

He said that this year’s slogan sends a “strong message”, stating that “investing in equal opportunities for women to own land is a direct investment in their future and the future of humanity”.

Radaidah affirmed the ministry’s “absolute belief” in the need to increase green areas in all governorates of the Kingdom due to the seriousness of the repercussions of climate change and environmental imbalances, noting that it had launched, in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, the national reforestation project, which aims to plant 10 million trees, in addition to supporting a number of reforestation projects.