Saudi Arabia is calling for a global push to address the urgent issue of land degradation, drought, and desertification ahead of the 16th UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) COP16, set to take place in Riyadh this December. The nation emphasizes the need for decisive action, highlighting the alarming rate of land degradation – an equivalent of four football fields of healthy land is lost every second, totaling 100 million hectares annually.
During a “Road to Riyadh” event on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Saudi Arabia outlined a roadmap for international collaboration and engagement, unveiling the thematic program for the COP. Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs, opened the event, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Incoming COP16 President and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Eng. Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen AlFadley, emphasized the critical importance of land restoration, stating, “This is a pivotal moment for our planet. Land restoration is vital to securing a prosperous future for generations to come.” He further stressed the need for international unity to develop ambitious and lasting solutions, stating, “It is crucial the international community unites to deliver ambitious and lasting solutions that curb land degradation, combat drought, and promote the sustainable use of natural resources.”
Minister AlFadley also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to environmental preservation and restoration, both domestically and internationally, citing initiatives such as the Saudi Green Initiative, the Middle East Green Initiative, and the G20 Global Land Initiative. This commitment demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s dedication to leading the charge in combating land degradation.
According to UNCCD data, if current trends continue, the world will need to restore 1.5 billion hectares of degraded land by 2030 to meet the Land Degradation Neutrality targets set by the Sustainable Development Goals. The upcoming COP16 in Riyadh will serve as a platform to push for concrete commitments to accelerate restoration efforts and achieve this critical goal.
Senior stakeholders from international organizations, government, and civil society have also voiced their concerns about the pressing challenges posed by land degradation, including drought, food insecurity, and forced migration. They emphasized the need for urgent multilateral action to address these issues.
UNCCD Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw underscored the impact of land degradation and drought on nearly half the world’s population, particularly affecting indigenous communities, smallholder farmers, women, and youth. He stated, “COP16 in Riyadh will be a pivotal moment to accelerate large-scale land restoration and boost drought resilience, with multiple benefits for people, nature and climate. Our success depends on the ambition of all parties and our commitment to resetting our relationship with the land for future generations.”
The severity of the situation is undeniable. The UNCCD reports that up to 40% of the world’s land is already degraded, directly affecting an estimated 3.2 billion people. Meanwhile, droughts are becoming more frequent and intense, with a 29% increase since 2000. By 2050, an estimated 75% of people globally will face the impacts of drought.
COP16 Riyadh, scheduled for December 2-13, 2024, marks a significant step towards addressing these challenges. Notably, it will be the first UNCCD COP to feature a Green Zone, providing a dedicated space for businesses and civil society to collaborate and present lasting solutions to land degradation, desertification, and drought. The event aims to bring together global stakeholders to foster impactful discussions and accelerate action. Journalists are invited to apply for accreditation via the UNCCD’s Online Registration System.
The world’s attention is focused on Riyadh, as the upcoming COP16 holds the potential to be a pivotal moment in the global fight against land degradation, drought, and desertification. With the shared commitment of nations and stakeholders, the conference can pave the way for a more sustainable future for generations to come.
