On the occasion of the Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, which is celebrated on 17 June, the Biodiversity Foundation of the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, in collaboration with Casa África, organize tomorrow at 11 o’clock the day Restore the land, generate opportunities in the headquarters of Casa Árabe in Madrid. Registration on this form is required.
The meeting will discuss this issue, creating a space for analysis on possible solutions to desertification and drought with a focus on youth. The day aims to share, discuss and reflect, from the perspective of cooperation between Spain and Africa, on the importance of training and awareness about drought and desertification in different areas. The objective is to create a space for public awareness and debate about the problems that generate desertification and drought, focusing on how to disseminate, train and raise awareness.
Officially declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 1994, the Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is a unique opportunity to highlight practical solutions for combating desertification, land degradation and drought. Each year, a host country hosts the global celebrations. The motto for 2025 is «Restore the land and unlock the opportunities» [«Restore the land, generate opportunities»], reflecting the many benefits associated with land restoration.
At 10.30 will take place the reception of attendees and at 11 o’clock will begin the day, led by Gloria Pallarés, journalist specialized in development, environment and global health. Welcome Miguel Moro Aguilar, director of Casa Árabe; Juan Jaime Martínez, head of the Area of Culture and Education at Casa África, and Félix Romero, director of the Biodiversity Foundation.
11:15h Presentation of the informative guide on “Desertification and drought”
Daniel Fernández Orgaz, technician of the Subdirección General de Política Forestal y Lucha contra la Desertificación (MITECO).
11:30h Roundtable The importance of training and awareness raising to address drought and desertification
Moderated by Clara Tudanca Gil, technician at the Subdirección General de Política Forestal y Lucha contra la Desertificación (MITECO). Jaime Martínez Valderrama, EEZA-CSIC, coordinator of the Atlas of Desertification project in Spain; Sara Villodre. Youth Council of Spain; Belén Pineda. European Youth Parliament Spain; Juan Jaime Martínez, head of the Culture and Education Area at Casa África and in charge of the Educational Project “Teaching Africa”.
12:15h Round table: Restoring the land, generating opportunities
Moderated by Cristina González-Onandia, coordinator of the Research and Climate Change Area of the Biodiversity Foundation, with Rafael Navarro, University of Córdoba. Project Study of the spatio-temporal dynamics of desertification in the south-east of the Iberian Peninsula (DESFUTUR); Jaime Ribalaygua, Climate Research Foundation. Strengthening ecological restoration and green infrastructure for the adaptation of forest species to climate change (FORESTECCO); Chiedza Lucia Muchopa, University of Namibia; and Sakhoudia Thiam, Panafricaine Agency of the Great Green Wall.