SustainableOmanSustainableOmanWhat is Al-Monasabat Al-Alamiya?
International days, or Al-Monasabat Al Alamiya in Arabic, are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilise personal will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity.
Desertification is the degradation of land in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas. It is caused primarily by human activities and climatic variations. Desertification does not refer to the expansion of existing deserts. It occurs because dryland ecosystems, which cover over one third of the world’s land area, are extremely vulnerable to overexploitation and inappropriate land use. Poverty, political instability, deforestation, overgrazing and bad irrigation practices can all undermine the productivity of the land.
The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is observed every year to promote public awareness of international efforts to combat desertification. The day is a unique moment to remind everyone that land degradation neutrality is achievable through problem-solving, strong community involvement and co-operation at all levels.
Even more specially these times, considering the COVID-19 situation. Actions based on the clear understanding of rights, rewards and responsibilities of land management can help address the COVID-19 fallout by tackling one of the primary environmental drivers of emerging infectious disease outbreaks. At the same time, strengthening the resilience of our food and water systems, can help reduce the effects of the pandemic on global poverty and food insecurity. Today, the motto “healthy land = healthy people” promoted by the Convention to Combat Desertification, is more true than ever.
Why Do We Mark International Days?
SustainableOman, as a supporter of the SDGs and Oman Vision 2040, has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool. Each international day offers many actors the opportunity to organise activities related to the theme of the day.
SustainableOman makes an international day, in addition to the Sultanate’s special days, a part of our awareness building campaign.
