#Saudi Arabia #Riyadh #UNCCD #Drought

Saudi Arabia Launches Innovative Drought Resilience Initiative at UNCCD COP16

On December 3, 2024, during the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia announced a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing the escalating challenges posed by droughts worldwide. This initiative, known as the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership, seeks to transition global drought management from a reactive stance to a proactive approach.

The Rationale Behind the Initiative

Droughts have become an alarming global concern, impacting nearly every corner of the Earth. According to UNCCD reports, approximately 1.84 billion people were affected by drought conditions in 2022, and many countries have declared drought emergencies between 2020 and 2023. The effects of these climatic changes are exacerbating food and water insecurity and causing immense economic losses. The Riyadh Partnership aims to mitigate these adverse impacts by leveraging a collective approach involving nations, organizations, scientists, and communities worldwide.

Dr. Osama Faqeeha, the Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture in Saudi Arabia, emphasized the importance of the initiative and invited all stakeholders to participate. "We are calling on countries, businesses, organizations, scientists, non-governmental organizations, financial institutions, and communities to join this vital partnership and be a part of a global movement towards a drought-resistant future," he stated during the announcement. He noted that adopting a proactive approach to drought resilience is far more cost-effective than reacting after disasters occur.

Key Goals of the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership

The fundamental aim of this new initiative is to enhance drought management through the establishment of early warning systems, improved financing, vulnerability assessments, and mitigation strategies against drought risks. The partnership will serve as a crucial hub for information and resources, promoting strategies that facilitate the transition from emergency responses to preventive measures.

To ensure sustained support and practical impact, Saudi Arabia has committed to cover the operational costs of the partnership office for a minimum of ten years. This will allow for long-term planning and the mobilization of various resources aimed at supporting vulnerable countries and communities facing drought challenges.

Mobilizing Resources and Community Engagement

Ibrahim Thiaw, the Executive Secretary of UNCCD, emphasized that drought affects all countries, with the majority of those impacted living in low and middle-income nations. The partnership aims to alleviate the severe impacts of drought not just through immediate action but by fostering a sense of collective responsibility and commitment among all nations. "It is our shared interest to protect people everywhere from the worst effects of drought," Thiaw remarked. He remains optimistic that the Riyadh Partnership will significantly contribute to mobilizing the necessary financial and political support for a more resilient future.

Addressing the Current Context of Droughts

The UNCCD has identified a sharp increase in the duration and intensity of droughts around the globe. In Africa alone, 38% of reported land area was affected by drought between 2016 and 2019, while the figures for Latin America and the Caribbean were similarly alarming at 37.9%. This underscores the urgency of implementing effective drought resilience strategies worldwide.

The UNCCD COP16 Conference

The UNCCD COP16 conference takes place from December 2 to 13, 2024, in Boulevard Riyadh City. The central theme revolves around critical issues such as land restoration, drought resilience, land ownership, and the management of sand and dust storms. As nations gather at this vital conference, the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership marks a significant step forward in combating one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.

In conclusion, the Riyadh initiative heralds a new chapter in the global fight against droughts. By shifting the focus towards proactive measures and collaboration, it aims to safeguard millions of lives and livelihoods, paving the way for a sustainable and resilient future in the face of continuing climate challenges.