#Saudi Arabia #Riyadh #UNCCD COP16 #Land Degradation #Global Warming

Upcoming UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh: A New Approach to Combat Global Land Issues

The UNCCD COP16, scheduled to take place from December 2 to 13, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will mark a significant milestone in the global effort to address pressing environmental challenges, particularly land degradation, desertification, and drought. This conference, themed "Our Land. Our Future," is set against the backdrop of alarming statistics—nearly 40% of the planet's land is facing degradation, affecting over 3.2 billion people globally.

A Groundbreaking Dual Approach

For the first time in UNCCD history, COP16 will introduce a dual-track structure. The Negotiation Track will focus on crafting crucial decisions and political declarations aimed at enhancing global resilience against land degradation and drought. Simultaneously, the Action Agenda will serve as a platform to highlight voluntary initiatives aimed at restoring land and addressing drought effectively, promoting innovation and tangible solutions in various sectors.

According to Dr. Osama Faqeeha, the Deputy Minister for Environment in Saudi Arabia, this conference is being hosted at a critical moment. He emphasized that how we manage our land resources significantly impacts vital global issues, including food and water security, climate change, conflict, and forced migration.

High-Level Discussions on Key Themes

The high-level segment of COP16 will feature ministerial dialogues addressing the multifaceted impacts of land degradation and drought on forced migration, security, and overall prosperity. These discussions aim to foster collaboration among policymakers from around the world, ensuring that actionable strategies are developed and implemented.

Thematic Days: Focus on Collaboration and Innovation

Throughout the conference, seven dedicated thematic days will outline discussions targeted at critical areas impacted by land issues. Key days include:

• - Land Day (December 4)
• - Agri-food System Day (December 5)
• - Governance Day (December 6)
• - People's Day (December 7)
• - Science, Technology, and Innovation Day (December 9)
• - Resilience Day (December 10)
• - Finance Day (December 11)

Each themed day aims to delve deeper into specific challenges, fostering dialogues that encourage multi-sectoral collaboration. The Action Agenda promises to be more than just discussions; it will showcase practical actions and involvements from various stakeholders, ranging from scientific communities to businesses and NGOs.

Urgent Need for Action and Funding

The urgency of taking action is echoed in findings from the UNCCD, stating that annual land degradation rates affect approximately 100 million hectares, while drought occurrence has intensified significantly since 2000. A critical barrier remains in the form of inadequate funding for restoration initiatives and drought resilience projects. COP16 is expected to prioritize the mobilization of financial resources from both private and public sectors to address these pressing needs.

Conclusion

The UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh presents a historic opportunity for international collaboration to combat the ongoing threats of land degradation, drought, and desertification. With its innovative dual approach, this conference aims to engage various stakeholders and catalyze substantial and sustainable actions that demonstrate the importance of our land to our future. As part of the ongoing commitment to environmental preservation, COP16 not only seeks to protect lands now but also ensures a future where land resources are sustainable for generations to come. Journalists and stakeholders interested in attending are encouraged to register through the UNCCD's Online Registration System. More details can be found at UNCCDCOP16.org.