Saudi Arabia, UNEP Initiate Campaigns Against Desertification For Ecosystem Restoration

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), has unveiled initiatives aimed at combating desertification, restoring ecosystems, and enhancing drought resilience. These measures are set to precede the global World Environment Day (WED) celebrations scheduled for 5 June in Riyadh. The announcement was made during the inauguration of Environment Week 2024, an event spearheaded by the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture to elevate environmental awareness among the populace.

Eng. Abdulrahman Alfadley, the Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, officially opened Environment Week 2024. The campaign, leading up to the WED celebration, underscores a collective effort towards environmental sustainability. Dr. Osama Faqeeha, the Deputy Minister for Environment, highlighted the universal responsibility in mitigating land degradation and desertification. This global endeavor involves policymakers, the private sector, and civil society organizations collaborating to rejuvenate agricultural zones, rehabilitate lands, and counteract desertification and drought.

Dr. Faqeeha emphasized that World Environment Day will spotlight the critical need for worldwide investments in nature conservation, land restoration, and sustainability pursuits. He stressed the significance of amalgamating national and international efforts to protect and restore ecosystems globally, aiming to achieve sustainable development goals.

Elizabeth Mrema, Deputy Executive Director of UNEP, during a Saudi Environment Week event in Riyadh, launched a global campaign with a stark warning: "Without action, 95 per cent of land on earth could be degraded within the next 30 years, which could spell disaster for humanity and the planet." She underscored how previous campaigns have spurred climate action globally. This year's call to action encourages individuals and governments alike to address the climate and extinction crises by restoring essential ecosystems.

Nations around the world have pledged to restore one billion hectares of land by 2030. This ambitious goal aligns with protecting 30% of land and sea for nature's sake and rehabilitating 30% of the planet's degraded ecosystems. The forthcoming World Environment Day 2024 aims to galvanize climate action by rallying support for ecosystem restoration efforts, contributing to a sustainable and resilient future as outlined in the 2030 Agenda.

With inputs from SPA