Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Commitment To Combat Land Degradation And Promote Sustainability At G20 Meeting

Saudi Arabia has reiterated its commitment to leading international efforts in addressing land degradation and drought, while promoting environmental sustainability. This was highlighted during the G20 Ministers of Environment and Climate Change meeting held from October 16 to 17 in Cape Town, South Africa. The Saudi delegation was led by Dr. Osama Faqeeha, Deputy Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture for the Environment.

The G20 meeting aimed to enhance global cooperation in tackling environmental challenges and protecting ecosystems worldwide. Dr. Faqeeha emphasised Saudi Arabia's significant role in advancing environmental protection on national, regional, and international fronts. He mentioned initiatives like the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative launched by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.

Dr. Faqeeha highlighted the Kingdom's achievements in expanding afforestation projects, combating desertification, rehabilitating degraded lands, and increasing protected areas by over 400%. These efforts are part of Saudi Arabia's National Environment Strategy aimed at sustainable development.

During its G20 presidency in 2020, Saudi Arabia launched the Global Initiative to Reduce Land Degradation and the Global Coral Reef Initiative. These initiatives underscore the Kingdom's leadership within the G20 in addressing global environmental issues.

Saudi Arabia will host the 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (COP16) in Riyadh in 2024. This event is expected to have unprecedented international participation and will focus on sustainable management of agricultural lands and rangelands.

The conference aims to adopt key outcomes such as the Riyadh Declaration and over 35 international resolutions. These resolutions focus on empowering local communities and advancing research and innovation for environmental sustainability.

Riyadh Agenda Initiatives

The Riyadh Agenda introduced around 40 initiatives, including the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership. This partnership seeks to enhance global cooperation in combating drought through shared solutions and international collaboration.

The G20 Environment and Climate Change Ministers’ Meeting serves as a platform for aligning global efforts against climate change. It fosters international collaboration in developing shared solutions to environmental challenges across the globe.

Saudi Arabia continues to play a pivotal role in global dialogues on environmental issues, demonstrating its commitment through various initiatives and international collaborations.

With inputs from SPA