World Combat Day to Desertification and Drought 17 June: Land-Ocean Connection
17 June is a day to raise awareness about a problem that affects people all over the planet; the loss of healthy land and the increasing lack of water. These may seem like problems that only happen far away or in deserts, but they actually impact all of us – in ways we might not always realize.
Desertification is happening in many parts of the world, including places that used to have rich farmland and green forests. Simply put, desertification happens when land that was once healthy becomes dry, cracked, and unable to support life. This can be caused by over-farming, overgrazing by animals, cutting down too many trees, poor land management, or changes in weather patterns that bring less rain. Over time, the land becomes weak and fragile — and eventually, it can’t grow food or support communities like it used to.
Drought adds another layer to the problem. When there isn’t enough water — either because of changing climate conditions or human overuse — crops can’t grow, livestock suffers, and people don’t have enough clean water to drink or use in daily life. Families may be forced to move, communities can break apart, and food prices can rise. What’s more, these problems often hit the most vulnerable people the hardest.
What many people don’t realize is that land and sea are connected – and damaged land can hurt our oceans too. When land is bare and unhealthy, dirt and pollution wash into rivers and flow into the sea, harming fish, coral reefs, and seafood habitats. That means fewer fish, less healthy seafood, and damaged marine life.
But there’s good news; we can all do something to help, and it doesn’t take big actions to make a difference. Simple, everyday choices really do matter. We can start by saving water—turning off taps, fixing leaks, and using water wisely at home. Planting trees and protecting green spaces also helps, as they hold soil together and encourage rainfall.
Likewise, if you are in coastal areas, planting and looking after mangroves and seagrasses is even better as mangroves and seagrasses are significantly better than trees at capturing and storing carbon in coastal areas, a concept known as "blue carbon." They can capture and store carbon up to 66 times faster and 5 times more efficiently than terrestrial forests like trees.
Reducing waste by recycling, composting, and avoiding single-use plastics can make a big impact. And when it comes to food, choosing sustainable seafood supports healthy oceans and responsible fishing practices. Every small step adds up to a healthier planet.
So, on 17 June, and every day, let’s remember that thesmall choices we make every day can help protect the Earth – from the soil under our feet to the fish on our plate.
Final Thoughts
17 June isn’t just another date on the calendar — it’s a reminder of how everything on our planet is connected. It’s about the ground we walk on, the food we grow, and the oceans that feed and inspire us. At the Seafood Consumers Association, we believe that caring for the land helps protect our seas — and both are essential for a healthier, more sustainable future
This World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, let’s take a moment to think about the small choices we make. Whether it’s saving water, planting a tree, or choosing sustainable seafood, every action matters. It’s not just about protecting nature, it’s about protecting the meals we share, the families we support, and the planet we all call home.
Here’s to good food, healthy land, and thriving oceans — all connected, and all worth taking care of.
From all of us, thank you for doing your part.
#FromSoilToSea #SustainableChoices #SeafoodForTheFuture