The upcoming UN environment conference in Saudi Arabia in December is set to tackle the issues of land degradation, desertification, and drought. Leaders from BRICS countries and other nations have highlighted the importance of increased financial resources and stronger partnerships to combat these environmental challenges, which threaten the well-being and livelihoods of people globally. They stressed the need for integrated policies and recognized ongoing efforts in sustainable land management to effectively address these interconnected issues.
Saudi Arabia is gearing up to host the 16th session of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (COP16) in Riyadh from December 2 to 13. According to UNCCD data, land degradation currently affects 40 percent of the planet and impacts 3.2 billion people worldwide. Dr. Osama Faqeeha, Deputy Minister for Environment at Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and Advisor to COP16 Presidency, welcomed the BRICS leaders’ statement, emphasizing the urgency to slow and reverse the trend of degrading land globally.
At COP16 in Riyadh, efforts will be made to forge new partnerships to accelerate land restoration and drought resilience initiatives, particularly in vulnerable regions. The impact of land degradation, drought, and desertification is felt around the world, exacerbating forced migration and worsening global food and water insecurity. It is crucial for the international community to address the root causes of these issues at the UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh, as highlighted by Dr. Faqeeha. The conference is expected to be the largest UNCCD COP to date and will feature the first-ever Green Zone, aimed at fostering collaboration and innovation and involving the private sector in land restoration efforts.
The UNCCD has set a goal to restore 1.5 billion hectares of degraded land by 2030, with estimates suggesting that every dollar invested in land restoration can yield up to $30 in economic returns. This underscores the importance and potential benefits of investing in sustainable land management practices. The upcoming COP16 in Riyadh presents a significant opportunity to rally global support and action towards combating land degradation, desertification, and drought, with the ultimate goal of achieving environmental sustainability and resilience. It is crucial for world leaders to come together and work towards creating a more sustainable future for generations to come.
