The International Year was declared at the 58th session of the General Assembly in an effort to curb desertification around the globe, along with its devastating environmental, social and economic costs.

The IYDD provides a major opportunity both to strengthen the visibility and importance of the drylands issue on the international environmental agenda, while highlighting the truly global nature of the problem. All countries and civil society organizations have been encouraged to undertake special initiatives to mark the Year, and preparations are now well under way around the world.