FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Abuja, FCT 17 June 2026
CENTRE LSD COMMEMORATES WORLD DAY TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION AND DROUGHT.
As the global community commemorates the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD) joins governments, civil society organisations, development partners, and communities around the world in highlighting the urgent need to protect, restore, and sustainably manage land resources.
This year's theme, “Rangelands: Recognise. Respect. Restore.”, underscores the critical importance of rangelands in supporting livelihoods, conserving biodiversity, strengthening climate resilience, and advancing sustainable development for present and future generations.
Across Africa, and particularly in Nigeria, the impacts of desertification, land degradation, and drought continue to threaten ecosystems and human wellbeing. Productive lands are increasingly under pressure, water resources are becoming less reliable, and climate-induced shocks are undermining agricultural productivity, food security, and livelihoods. These challenges extend beyond environmental concerns, affecting economic opportunities, social stability, and long-term development prospects.
Guided by its vision of “An African Society with Strategic Leadership and Sustainable Development” and its mission “to work with forces of positive change to empower citizens to transform society,” Centre LSD recognises that healthy ecosystems are fundamental to resilient communities and sustainable economies. Environmental sustainability, social inclusion, economic growth, and good governance are deeply interconnected, requiring integrated and people-centred responses to environmental challenges.
The 2026 theme draws attention to the importance of rangelands—vast ecosystems that support millions of people, particularly pastoralists and rural communities. These landscapes provide food, income, and essential environmental services while contributing significantly to climate regulation and biodiversity conservation.
Yet they face growing threats from unsustainable land-use practices, climate change, population pressures, and environmental degradation. Recognising the value of these ecosystems, respecting the communities that depend on them, and restoring degraded lands are essential steps toward achieving environmental justice and sustainable development.
According to Monday Osasah, Executive Director of Centre LSD: "The challenge of desertification is ultimately about people, livelihoods, and the future we seek to build. As we commemorate this year's World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, Centre LSD calls for increased investment in community-led solutions that restore degraded lands, strengthen resilience, and create sustainable opportunities for future generations.
The health of our land is directly linked to the prosperity of our people. By working together, we can transform environmental challenges into opportunities for sustainable development and inclusive growth."
Centre LSD believes that communities must be empowered as key actors in combating desertification and drought. Women, young people, farmers, pastoralists, and indigenous communities possess valuable knowledge and experience that can drive sustainable land management and climate adaptation efforts.
Their meaningful participation in decision-making processes is essential to developing effective, locally owned, and lasting solutions. As the world marks this important day, Centre LSD calls for stronger investments in land restoration, climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, environmental governance, and community-led development initiatives. The organisation further urges greater collaboration among governments, civil society, development partners, the private sector, and citizens to reverse land degradation and expand sustainable opportunities for vulnerable communities.
On this World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, Centre LSD reaffirms its commitment to working with all forces of positive change to strengthen community resilience, promote environmental sustainability, and contribute to the achievement of sustainable development across Africa. Together, we must recognise the value of our land, respect those whose lives and livelihoods depend on it, and restore degraded ecosystems to secure a healthier, more resilient, and sustainable future for all
Signed Monday Osasah
Executive Director
African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development
(Centre LSD)
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