Sand and dust storms (SDS) have been more frequent and intense in recent years, especially in some areas. This has led to severe agricultural damage, accelerated desertification, and increased health hazards. It is estimated that approximately 2 billion tonnes of sand and dust are released into the atmosphere annually.
Recognizing the urgent need to address this issue, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has proclaimed 2025-2034 as the United Nations Decade on Combating Sand and Dust Storms. This initiative, led by Uganda on behalf of the Group of 77 developing countries and China, highlights the global concern over SDS and emphasizes the importance of proactive measures through heightened awareness and concrete actions.
This declaration supports the recent launch of the "Guideline on the Integration of Sand and Dust Storm Management into Key Policy Areas" by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Released on the International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms 2024, the guideline aims to assist countries in developing and implementing strategies to mitigate the impact of SDS.
"The Policy Guideline will support countries to develop and implement sand and dust storms-related initiatives, improve land use and management, enhance food security, and build resilience to climate change," stated Lifeng Li, Director of FAO’s Land and Water Division.
Sand and dust storms are increasingly problematic globally, occurring when wind lifts loose dirt and sand from the ground into the air, forming massive dust clouds that can travel vast distances. According to the FAO-UNCCD Guideline, certain regions are naturally susceptible to SDS, particularly arid and barren areas such as the deserts in North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. The dry soil in these regions facilitates the wind's ability to lift dust into the atmosphere.
Human activities also contribute to the conditions that lead to dust storms. Practices like overgrazing, deforestation, overexploitation of natural resources, draining wetlands, and extensive ploughing disturb the soil and degrade land. Poor land and water management, coupled with climate change, further increase the vulnerability of these areas to land degradation and desertification, leading to more frequent dust storms.
Impact of SDS on Agriculture
Sand and dust storms pose a severe threat to agriculture worldwide, profoundly affecting farmers and communities. These storms damage crops and livestock, reduce yields, and degrade food quality. Additionally, they can contaminate water sources and spread diseases among plants and animals.
The FAO-UNCCD Guideline details how SDS strip nutrients from the soil, making it harder for crops to grow and reducing their quality. The physical damage from abrasive particles leads to smaller harvests and less nutritious produce. Livestock suffer from health issues and increased mortality due to inhaling dusty air and the stress caused by storms.
Beyond agricultural fields, SDS create additional challenges by polluting water sources with sediment, impacting both drinking water and irrigation. Dust particles can carry diseases, further threatening agricultural productivity. The storms also damage farm equipment and infrastructure, increasing costs for farmers already struggling with reduced yields.
Solutions and Preparedness
To effectively combat SDS, FAO and the UNCCD collaborated on the "Guideline on the Integration of Sand and Dust Storm Management into Key Policy Areas," offering practical solutions for governments. The guideline advocates for practices such as conservation agriculture and improved water management to protect soil health during SDS events. It also stresses the importance of strengthening infrastructure and coordinated health responses.
Aligned with international agreements, the guideline encourages the integration of SDS management into national strategies for sustainable development. It highlights the necessity for increased awareness, technical support, and funding for early warning systems. These efforts aim to mitigate the impacts of SDS on communities and ecosystems globally.
As the international community prepares for the United Nations Decade on Combating Sand and Dust Storms, it is crucial to implement these strategies and work collaboratively to address this growing environmental and health challenge.
