Saudi Arabia Urges Global Community To Address Land Degradation And Drought Resilience Ahead Of COP16

Saudi Arabia is preparing to host the sixteenth session of the Conference of Parties (COP16) under the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Riyadh. With less than a month until the event, Saudi Arabia urges global action on drought resilience and land restoration. The urgency is underscored by data indicating that over 71,000 square kilometers of land, larger than Ireland, may degrade before the conference starts on December 2.

"COP16 in Riyadh is a critical moment for the international community to address land degradation if we are to meet the UNCCD target of restoring 1.5 billion hectares of land by 2030," said Deputy Minister for Environment at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and Advisor to the COP16 Presidency Dr. Osama Faqeeha. "As the hosts, we are calling on all parties to come to Riyadh ready to increase their ambition by strengthening land restoration targets, bolstering drought resilience initiatives, and enhancing land tenure rights."

Since 2015, countries have been setting voluntary Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) targets aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals. Over 130 nations have engaged in this programme, with more than 100 having already set their targets. Saudi Arabia’s upcoming UNCCD Presidency aims to boost participation in LDN targets and enhance their ambition and implementation.

The economic stakes are high as UNCCD estimates that $44 trillion of global economic output relies on natural capital. This accounts for over half of the world's annual GDP. Investing in restoration could yield significant returns, with every dollar potentially generating up to $30 in economic benefits.

COP16 will introduce a Green Zone for the first time at a UNCCD COP. This area will facilitate collaboration among businesses, scientists, financial institutions, NGOs, the public, and affected communities to develop sustainable solutions. Seven thematic days will guide discussions on topics like land restoration, governance, agri-food systems, resilience, finance, science, technology, and innovation.

The conference represents an opportunity for Saudi Arabia to lead efforts in increasing commitments towards LDN targets globally. By hosting COP16, Saudi Arabia seeks to inspire greater ambition in addressing land degradation challenges worldwide.

The event's outcomes could significantly impact global efforts toward sustainable land management and climate resilience. As countries gather in Riyadh, there is hope for strengthened commitments and innovative solutions that can drive meaningful change.

With inputs from SPA