#Saudi Arabia #Riyadh #Dust Storms #WMO

Saudi Arabia Initiates International Sand and Dust Storm Monitoring Initiative

In a pivotal move aimed at enhancing global environmental resilience, Saudi Arabia has unveiled an international initiative focused on the monitoring of sand and dust storms. This announcement was made during the UNCCD COP16 conference taking place in Riyadh from December 2 to December 13, 2024. This initiative represents a strategic effort to bolster early warning systems across the globe, which is vital given the increasing frequency and intensity of natural phenomena related to dust storms.

The new initiative, dubbed the Sand and Dust Storm Warning Advisory and Assessment System (SDS-WAS), is designed to expand on the current capabilities overseen by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The SDS-WAS, based in Jeddah, will operate as one of four global WMO-affiliated nodes dedicated to monitoring these environmental occurrences, joining existing centers in Beijing, Barcelona, and Barbados.

During the discussions at the conference, Jumaan Al-Qahtani, CEO of the GCC Regional Sand and Dust Storms Warning Advisory and Assessment Node, highlighted the operational advancements achieved by the center. He stated that the facility has developed three validated models to predict sand and dust storms in the region, showcasing the capacity for real-time forecasting and increased international collaboration.

A Sign of Action on Global Challenges

The newly launched initiative is part of a broader effort described in the Riyadh Action Agenda, which underscores the importance of addressing global challenges such as land degradation, drought, and desertification. Presenting a staggering statistic, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification revealed that two billion tonnes of sand and dust enter the atmosphere each year, equivalent to the weight of 350 Great Pyramids of Giza. It's alarming that over 25% of these occurrences are attributed to human activities.

In terms of financial commitment, Saudi Arabia has pledged $10 million over the next five years to support this international partnership initiative aimed at improving early warning systems in countries that currently lack the necessary infrastructure. “We are calling upon other UN organizations and countries to support this initiative,” Al-Qahtani added, emphasizing the collaborative spirit necessary for tackling such global issues.

Drought Resilience Initiatives in Focus

Furthermore, the conference also saw the launch of the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership, signaling a proactive approach to combating drought conditions that currently affect 1.8 billion people worldwide. Aiming to enhance resilience strategies, the partnership is calling for a shift from reactive responses to proactive measures in addressing drought challenges. The efforts received backing with a significant financial commitment of $2.15 billion aimed at supporting the most vulnerable countries.

Dr. Osama Faqeeha, Deputy Minister for Environment, articulated the urgency of addressing drought resilience, highlighting that this must become a global priority. “With this initiative, we are targeting the 80 most vulnerable countries to drought. It is imperative to amplify our efforts and collaboration to tackle these pressing environmental challenges,” Dr. Faqeeha stated.

Moving Forward with International Collaboration

The COP16 conference serves as a critical platform for mobilizing state and non-state actors globally in an effort to enhance international land restoration and drought resilience initiatives. A key development during the conference was announced by the World Bank, which revealed that it raised $24 billion in contributions to finance various climate resilience projects aimed at supporting farmers and strengthening infrastructure in 78 countries determined to be in urgent need.

As the world grapples with the consequences of climate change, Saudi Arabia's initiative for monitoring sand and dust storms represents an integral part of a comprehensive strategy geared towards sustainability and resilience. The call for international cooperation and enhanced funding is paramount in the ongoing efforts to ensure effective climate action and preparedness as the effects of natural disasters continue to escalate.

For more information about the UNCCD COP16, please visit UNCCDCOP16.org.