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Upcoming UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh: Pioneering Dual Approach to Combat Land Degradation

The forthcoming UNCCD COP16 conference, taking place in Riyadh from December 2 to 13, 2024, promises to be a pivotal event in the global fight against land degradation, desertification, and drought. This year's conference marks a significant milestone as it introduces a dual approach: combining negotiation tracks with an action agenda aimed at promoting international cooperation in addressing critical environmental issues.

A New Direction: Dual Approach

For the first time, the COP has integrated both a negotiation and an action agenda. The negotiation track focuses on essential decisions and policy declarations from the parties involved in the Convention. These declarations aim to enhance global resilience to land degradation and drought. Meanwhile, the action agenda fosters voluntary initiatives and innovative solutions through various thematic days centered on land restoration and drought mitigation, providing a platform for sharing effective practices.

The high-level segment of COP16 will take place on December 2-3, where ministers will engage in dialogues concerning drought resilience, financing, and the impacts of land degradation on forced migration, security, and prosperity. Dr. Osama Faqeeha, the Deputy Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture of Saudi Arabia and UNCCD presidency advisor, emphasized the importance of this conference. He stated, "How we manage our land profoundly affects the livelihoods and lives of people worldwide—from food and water insecurity to climate change, conflict, instability, and forced migration."

Thematic Days: Spanning Important Topics

Throughout COP16, a series of thematic days will highlight critical discussions and strive for actionable outcomes. These include:

- Land Day (December 4): Focusing on land restoration strategies.
- Agriculture and Food Systems Day (December 5): Addressing sustainable agricultural practices.
- Governance Day (December 6): Exploring the role of governance in environmental challenges.
- People's Day (December 7): Considering the societal implications of land degradation.
- Science, Technology, and Innovation Day (December 9): Presenting research and technological advances in combating land degradation.
- Resilience Day (December 10): Discussing strategies for enhancing resilience against drought.
- Finance Day (December 11): Mobilizing financial resources for drought relief and land restoration initiatives.

The Urgency of Action

According to the UNCCD, nearly 40% of the Earth's land is affected by degradation, impacting over 3.2 billion people. The severity of these issues has escalated, requiring immediate action. Reports indicate that each year, around 100 million hectares of land degrade, and the frequency and intensity of droughts have risen by nearly one-third since 2000. Furthermore, funding for land restoration and drought resilience initiatives remains woefully insufficient.

COP16 aims to prioritize initiatives that mobilize resources from both public and private sectors to accelerate remedial actions and ensure long-term sustainability. As a first for any UNCCD COP, this conference will also feature a Green Zone that includes participation from the scientific community, businesses, financial institutions, NGOs, and the public, fostering collaboration towards achieving lasting change in environmental practices.

Conclusion

As Saudi Arabia hosts this landmark event, the international community looks forward to meaningful discussions and decisive actions that will shape global responses to land degradation, drought, and desertification in the coming years. The outcomes of COP16 will be crucial not just for environmental sustainability but also for ensuring the well-being and livelihoods of billions affected by these pressing challenges. Journalists and participants interested in attending can register through the UNCCD's online platform at UNCCDCOP16.org.