Urgent Need to Address Expansion of Drylands During COP16 in Riyadh

The recent discussions at the COP16 conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, posed an alarming call to action regarding the worldwide expansion of drylands. Celebrated on the Day of Science, Technology, and Innovation, this event gathered delegates to seek innovative solutions to combat land degradation, desertification, and drought. The agenda was packed with activities ranging from utilizing enhanced satellite coverage to monitor land degradation to exploring how startups can play a pivotal role in accelerating land restoration amid climatic challenges.

As part of this initiative, the Sustainability Innovation Week was launched in the Green Zone, aligning with Riyadh's Action Agenda. This venture brought together innovative firms, scientists, and entrepreneurs, ultimately leading to the unveiling of the International Water Research Center. This collaborative project between Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture and the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) aims to redefine sustainable water practices critical to the region.

In a significant moment of the conference, a research and innovation partnership was announced involving Saudi Arabia’s National Livestock and Fisheries Development Program, KAUST, and Estifamah. This partnership is key to enhancing soil quality research, crucial for building resilience against desertification. Four other innovative projects were also unveiled under a research program exceeding $25 million, focusing on the palm and date industry crucial for Saudi agriculture’s sustainability and economic viability.

High-level dialogues also took place focusing on healing the land through science and earth intelligence. Dr. Munir M. Eldesouki, the Acting President of the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, remarked on the critical crossroads the world faces. He emphasized that amidst daunting environmental challenges, unprecedented opportunities for change are also emerging. He stated, “Science and technology are not mere instruments; they are our key allies in ensuring a sustainable future.”

The open dialogue session at UNCCD encouraged input from civil society organizations on converting scientific findings into actionable policies. By bridging the gap between policymakers, scientists, and impacted communities, the aim was to foster cooperation and community engagement in environmental restoration efforts.

Further underscoring the necessity for concerted action, the UNCCD published a report detailing the global prevalence of dryland expansion. This study found that over three-quarters of the Earth's land experienced drier conditions in the thirty years leading up to 2020. Alarmingly, the number of people living in these dry regions doubled to 2.3 billion, compared to 1.2 billion three decades earlier. Dr. Osama Faqeeha, the Vice Minister of Environment for Saudi Arabia, described the findings as a dire warning that must galvanize immediate and concrete action against land degradation, desertification, and drought.

He stressed the role of innovation as a significant facilitator capable of creating efficiencies that alleviate pressure on vital resources. This includes aspects such as reducing water and energy consumption and enhancing food security. Dr. Faqeeha concluded with a call for amplified access to science, technology, and innovation globally as critical to fostering resilience.

The COP16 conference in Riyadh runs from December 2 to 13, 2024, and commemorates the 30th anniversary of the UNCCD. Its theme, “Our Land. Our Future,” aims to ensure multilateral action on pressing issues such as drought resilience, land tenure, and the management of sand and dust storms. As the world grapples with climate change and environmental degradation, COP16 could serve as a potential turning point for global cooperation in restoring our planet's ecosystems.