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) for the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Riyadh. As the next UNCCD President, Saudi Arabia urges global action on drought resilience and land restoration. This call comes amid alarming data showing that over 71,000 square kilometers of land, an area larger than Ireland, may degrade before the conference starts on December 2.

Dr. Osama Faqeeha, Deputy Minister for Environment at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and Advisor to the COP16 Presidency, stated, "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." He emphasized that all parties should come prepared to enhance their commitments towards land restoration and drought resilience.

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 initiative, with more than 100 having already established their targets. Saudi Arabia aims to use its upcoming presidency to encourage more countries to adopt LDN targets and boost their implementation efforts.

The economic stakes are high as UNCCD estimates that $44 trillion in economic output relies on natural capital. Investing in restoration could yield significant returns, potentially creating a trillion-dollar restoration economy. Every dollar invested might return up to $30 economically, highlighting the financial benefits of environmental restoration.

COP16 will introduce a Green Zone for the first time at a UNCCD conference. This space will facilitate collaboration among businesses, scientists, financial institutions, NGOs, and affected communities. The aim is to develop sustainable solutions through shared knowledge and innovation.

The conference will feature seven thematic days focusing on key areas such as land restoration, governance, agri-food systems, resilience building, finance strategies, and advancements in science and technology. These themes are designed to sharpen discussions and drive effective outcomes during the event.

Saudi Arabia's leadership role offers an opportunity to expand participation in LDN targets globally while enhancing ambition levels. The country seeks to leverage its position to foster greater commitment from other nations towards combating desertification effectively.

The upcoming COP16 represents a pivotal chance for international cooperation on environmental issues. By addressing land degradation comprehensively, countries can contribute significantly towards achieving global sustainability goals by 2030.

With inputs from SPA