ULAN BATOR, June 17 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia on Wednesday observed the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, which is marked annually on June 17 to raise public awareness of global efforts to combat land degradation, desertification and drought.
"Climate change, land degradation, desertification and drought are not merely environmental issues. They are directly linked to food security, water resources, nomadic herders' livelihoods, local development, sustainable economic growth, and the well-being of future generations," the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change said in a statement on Wednesday.
The ministry urged everyone to contribute to efforts to combat desertification and drought through tree planting, land conservation, the restoration of degraded areas, and the sustainable management of water, soil and pasture resources.
According to the ministry, approximately 77 percent of the Asian country's total land area is currently affected by desertification and land degradation.
In August, Mongolia is set to host the 17th session of the Convention's Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in its capital, Ulan Bator, for the first time.
The Asian country views the conference as an important opportunity to advance global cooperation against desertification, land degradation and drought, while promoting practical solutions focused on land restoration, sustainable rangeland management, climate resilience, green financing and community-based participation. ■
