Intensive agricultural activities, along with urbanization and industrialization to meet the growing global population's needs for food and clothing, have been the primary causes of decreased biological productivity in arid and semi-arid regions. Incorrect agricultural practices applied to soil and natural resources have further exacerbated desertification and the depletion of water resources. Additionally, with the increasing effects of global warming and climate change, mass soil losses continue to occur in lands at risk of desertification. When examining desertification from a scientific perspective, it refers to land degradation resulting from actions and activities in arid, semi-arid, and sub-humid areas—regions outside polar and subpolar zones where the annual precipitation-to-potential evapotranspiration ratio ranges from 0.05 to 0.65. Causes include climate changes, improper agricultural practices (e.g., stubble burning, excessive fertilizer use, improper tilling techniques), deforestation, incorrect grazing methods, soil compaction, surface crust formation, accumulation of toxic elements from organic and inorganic wastes, radioactive contamination, and inappropriate or misused land applications. More than one-third of the world's soils are located in regions classified as prone to desertification (arid, semi-arid, and sub-humid areas). The process of desertification in these areas has significantly increased, particularly in recent years. In Turkey, especially in the Central Anatolia region, soils are highly sensitive to desertification. Throughout 2022 and 2023, the most discussed issues in the country were drought, massive wildfires, and declining rainfall. The year 2023 also marked a record-breaking period for global temperatures. In the European Union, according to the latest data from the European Environment Agency, 10% of the total land area is at high or very high risk of desertification. Recent studies show that the existing desertification problem is worsening and has become a global issue. It is believed that collaboration between public institutions, non-governmental organizations, unions, and universities can effectively bring desertification issues into local and national agendas, raising public awareness. In this context, an integrated approach — including the conservation, rehabilitation, and management of natural resources; combating rural poverty; raising knowledge and awareness; sustainability; and creating global benefits—holds significant importance in the fight against desertification. Combatting desertification requires long-term strategies focused on simultaneously improving land productivity, rehabilitating and protecting land and water resources, and ensuring sustainable management while improving living conditions, particularly at the local community level. Our project aims to increase understanding of the issues of desertification and drought, raise respect and sensitivity towards nature for its protection, and encourage more volunteers to engage in environmental efforts. In Turkey and the European Union, many serious policies and strategies are being implemented to combat desertification and drought. While the EU has always been sensitive to environmental issues, the success of desertification policies in both regions depends on the support of residents and institutions. Our project seeks to increase awareness about ongoing policies in this field and support the development of more effective civil society efforts addressing environmental concerns, particularly desertification and drought.