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Saudi Arabia's COP16: A Wake-Up Call on Drylands

As delegates gathered for the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) COP16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a clear message emerged about the alarming expansion of drylands worldwide. This alarming trend has underscored the importance of immediate action in addressing issues related to land degradation, desertification, and drought. The opening of Science Technology and Innovation Day showcased various initiatives aimed at utilizing innovative practices and technologies to tackle these pressing challenges.

During this significant event, global leaders, scientists, and innovators engaged in discussions on a range of topics, including enhanced satellite monitoring for land degradation and the role of startups in driving resilience against drought. The week also saw the launch of the Sustainability Innovation Week, part of the Riyadh Action Agenda aiming to promote sustainable technology across nations. Notably, the new International Water Research Center was established through a collaboration between Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture (MEWA) and the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). This center is envisioned to revolutionize approaches towards water sustainability, a critical factor amid the rising challenges posed by drylands.

In a highlight of the event, COP16 President Eng. Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen AlFadley announced a partnership focusing on research to enhance soil quality, backed by significant investment—over $25 million—directed towards four innovative projects aimed at bolstering Saudi Arabia's agricultural sectors, particularly in the date and palm industry.

Dr. Munir M. Eldesouki, Assistant Minister for Communications and Information Technology, remarked on the power of science and technology as allies in achieving a sustainable future, highlighting the need for scaling up scientific data and advancements to support land restoration. These sentiments echoed as high-level dialogues focused on healing land through rigorous scientific methods and data utilization.

In a parallel meeting, discussions with civil society representatives emphasized the urgency of converting scientific findings into actionable policies, thereby strengthening collaborations among essential stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, and affected communities.

The report released during COP16 brought to light critical data on the expansion of drylands globally, indicating that over 75% of Earth's land has experienced increasingly arid conditions in the past three decades. It also revealed a concerning increase in the global population living in drylands—rising to 2.3 billion by 2020 from 1.2 billion thirty years earlier.

Dr. Osama Faqeeha, Deputy Minister for Environment, articulated the significance of the findings, urging the global community to address these challenges with robust and sustainable solutions. He emphasized the crucial role of innovation as a facilitator, capable of promoting efficiencies that alleviate pressure on vital resources, such as water and energy.

The COP16 conference, taking place from December 2-13, 2024, at Boulevard Riyadh World, serves as a platform for reaffirming commitments toward sustainable land management practices. It marks the 30th anniversary of the UNCCD, featuring themes revolving around our responsibility and collective actions towards mitigating the impacts of drought and land degradation.

In conclusion, COP16 serves as both a wake-up call and a strategic opportunity for nations worldwide to collaborate and innovate in combatting the growing challenge of drylands—a significant step towards securing a sustainable future for all.