Saudi efforts double international solutions to address land degradation at COP16

Arab Weather - [Riyadh - Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - November 28, 2024] - The program of the 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification "COP 16" Riyadh was revealed, which is characterized by an unprecedented dual approach to the negotiation track and the work agenda, by focusing on promoting international solutions to urgent global crises resulting from land degradation, desertification and drought, to reach the international negotiation track with decisive and practical decisions from the parties to the agreement, so that they can be implemented in record time.

The conference presidency explained that the agenda, which coincides with the negotiating track, will support and encourage the presentation of voluntary initiatives, innovation and practical solutions through a series of special theme days important for land restoration and drought treatment, during the conference hosted by Riyadh from December 2-13, starting with high-level ministerial sessions that will discuss enhancing capacities to confront drought, financing and the impact of land degradation and drought on forced migration, security and prosperity, and other related issues such as innovation, artificial intelligence and sustainable land management.

“This conference is a pivotal moment for the international community to address the challenges of land degradation, drought and desertification,” said Dr. Osama Faqiha, Deputy Minister for Environment Affairs at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and Advisor to the Presidency of COP16 in Riyadh. “The way we treat our land has a profound impact on the lives and livelihoods of people around the world, contributing to food and water insecurity, climate change, conflict, instability and forced migration.”

“As the host country presiding over this event, we have created the first Green Zone since the inception of the Conferences of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, to mobilize the scientific community, businesses, financial institutions, NGOs and the public to contribute to lasting change. At the same time, we are engaging policymakers from around the world in a series of high-level discussions to deliver important multilateral action. This dual approach will play a vital role in accelerating land restoration and drought resilience initiatives that land and people around the world need,” added Dr. Faqiha.

Alongside the negotiations, a working agenda will be held throughout the conference, including theme days to sharpen discussions and accelerate the achievement of the desired outcomes. Each of the seven days will address a different theme, and will be jointly organized in the Green and Blue Zones, including Earth Day (4 December), Agri-Food Systems Day (5 December), Governance Day (6 December), Peoples Day (7 December), Science, Technology and Innovation Day (9 December), Capacity Building Day (10 December) and Financing Day (11 December).

Land degradation affects nearly 40% of the Earth’s land area and impacts the lives of more than 3.2 billion people, according to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. Data indicates that urgent action is needed, especially as the issues of land degradation, desertification and drought continue to worsen. Every year, 100 million hectares of land are degraded, according to the UNCCD, and the frequency and severity of droughts has increased by a third since 2000. Land restoration and drought resilience initiatives remain severely underfunded, with the conference set to prioritize mobilizing public and private funding to accelerate corrective action.

About COP16 Riyadh

COP16 Riyadh will be held from 2 to 13 December 2024 in an area near Riyadh Boulevard, Saudi Arabia. Under the theme “Our Land. Our Future,” the conference will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification and aims to galvanize multilateral action on critical issues such as drought, land rights, and sand and dust storms.

Journalists are invited to apply for registration through the UNCCD electronic system.

For more information about the conference, or to register your interest in visiting the Green Zone, please visit: UNCCDCOP16.org .

For media inquiries, please contact: media@unccdcop16.org