#Saudi Arabia #Riyadh #UNCCD #Drought Resilience #Riyadh Action

Saudi Arabia Launches Historic Riyadh Action Agenda

In a landmark move to address the pressing challenges of land degradation and drought, Saudi Arabia has officially launched the Riyadh Action Agenda during the UNCCD COP16 conference. This initiative aims to bring together both state and non-state actors to foster sustainable solutions to significant environmental issues.

The event was marked by a keynote speech from Osama Faqeeha, the Vice Minister of Environment at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture. He emphasized the need for quick and effective actions to combat the ongoing threats posed by climate change on agricultural systems and ecosystems. The Riyadh Action Agenda is designed to create a framework for collaboration over the next two years of Saudi Arabia’s presidency of COP16, engaging a wide array of stakeholders from farmers to indigenous populations.

Dr. Faqeeha stressed the essence of continuous mobilization following COP16, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to leading global land restoration efforts. The urgency of this program stems from alarming statistics: agriculture is responsible for a significant 23% of greenhouse gas emissions, 80% of deforestation, and a staggering 70% of freshwater use. These figures underscore the vulnerability of our current food systems, which are increasingly under threat.

Notably, the discussions at the launch coincided with the World Soil Day, enhancing the focus on sustainable land management practices. The degradation of fertile land, cited by Dr. Faqeeha, results in an unsustainable annual loss of 24 billion tons, contributing to food and water insecurity across the globe. This reality resonates deeply, affecting everyone from struggling farmers to consumers facing escalating food prices.

A concerning forecast from the UNCCD suggests that agricultural yields could plummet by 10% globally by 2050, and in heavily affected areas, even up to 50%. Such a decline would inevitably result in food prices surging by approximately 30%. With a growing population making increasing demands on agricultural resources, the potential for crisis heightens.

However, Dr. Faqeeha noted that solutions do not require overhauling existing systems entirely. For example, redirecting harmful agricultural subsidies can quickly provide necessary funds for land restoration initiatives and reform non-sustainable practices.

The COP16 conference, which runs from December 2 to 13, 2024, focuses on pivotal issues such as drought resilience, land tenure, and combating sand and dust storms, reflecting the urgency of the current environmental crises. The conference theme, "Our Land. Our Future," serves as a clarion call for multilateral action on these critical challenges.

As the days progress at COP16, the Riyadh Action Agenda will facilitate discussions aimed at uncovering innovative solutions to enhance soil health and the resilience of food systems, reinforcing the essential role agriculture plays in maintaining global food security. The involvement of private sectors alongside farmers is crucial to transforming food systems, making them more sustainable and resilient to climate changes.

The launch of the Riyadh Action Agenda represents a bold and necessary step forward in collectively addressing some of the most pressing environmental challenges faced in recent times. The call-to-action initiated by this program echoes widely, aiming to inspire immediate and coordinated responses on a global scale.

For those interested in joining the conversation and contributing to these vital discussions, details about the programs and participation in the green zone at the UNCCD COP16 can be found at the official UNCCD COP16 website.