Riyadh's COP16 Green Zone Showcases Innovative Activities For Environmental Awareness And Sustainability

The Green Zone at the UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh is open daily from 8 AM to 10 PM until December 13. It is anticipated to attract over 200,000 visitors with a variety of artistic, recreational, cultural, and educational activities for all ages. Upon arrival, guests can explore a heritage exhibition in a traditional tent, enjoying Saudi coffee while learning about falconry and henna painting.

Inside the zone, visitors can witness a live mural being created by a local artist over 13 days. This interactive artwork invites participation in completing the "COP16" painting. Additionally, there is an exhibit featuring 12 types of wild plants like jujube and acacia. Gardens adorned with native climbing plants provide a local touch to the environment.

Visitors can engage in colouring local engravings on mud walls, showcasing the art of decorating mud houses—a common architectural style in rural Saudi Arabia. This activity highlights the connection between art, culture, identity, and sustainability by using colours inspired by the conference's theme.

An outdoor activity includes a carbon footprint scale designed to raise environmental awareness. By interacting with this scale, visitors learn about the impact of their daily choices on the environment, symbolising balance or imbalance between consumption and sustainability. Artists also demonstrate gypsum carving techniques, blending art with sustainability.

A dedicated space for green mosaic features work by Saudi artist Faisal Aboud. Here, visitors are encouraged to craft mosaic pieces inspired by nature's beauty, focusing on lavender fields that embody Saudi Arabia's rich national identity. Music enthusiasts can enjoy live performances of authentic Saudi music by three musicians.

Traditional Crafts and Performances

In the crafts area, six artisans demonstrate traditional crafts such as Sadu weaving and wickerwork over 370 minutes. These craftsmen create works inspired by ancient cultural heritage, highlighting these crafts' role in promoting sustainable lifestyles and cultural expression. Roving shows offer glimpses into world cultures with performances from 245 artists across 14 countries.

The Green Zone serves as an inclusive public space for civil society organizations, NGOs, businesses, youth groups, and other stakeholders. It hosts events addressing land degradation and desertification while fostering public participation and knowledge exchange. Over 213 international and local entities participate actively.

Four major forums will be hosted: Water Sustainability for a Green Future Forum from December 3 to 13; Saudi Green Initiative Forum from December 3 to 4; International Forum for Afforestation Technologies from December 6 to 8; and Sustainability Innovation Week from December 9 to 11. Registration details are available online.

The Green Zone aims to strengthen collaboration among international, regional, and Saudi stakeholders through various exhibitions, workshops, and discussions focused on innovative solutions for sustainability challenges.

With inputs from SPA