Outcome of the International Year of Deserts and Desertification

This report provides an assessment of the results and outcomes of the wide range of events and activities that took place in celebration of the IYDD. It concludes that the IYDD offered an important opportunity to increase awareness and disseminate information about desertification at the global level, while fostering the development and consolidation of stakeholder networks and contributing to the long-term implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and the achievement of the MDGs. Combating desertification remains, nevertheless, an important challenge, and in order to perpetuate the momentum generated through the IYDD, it is imperative that appropriate follow-up action takes place.