#Saudi Arabia #Riyadh #UNCCD #COP16 #Ministerial Dialogues

UNCCD COP16: A New Approach to Combat Land Degradation in Riyadh

The UNCCD COP16 taking place from December 2 to December 13, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, promises to reshape the global agenda on environmental issues. For the first time, the conference will implement a dual-track approach comprising a Negotiation Track and an Action Agenda. This innovative framework aims to accelerate responses to the pressing environmental crises of land degradation, desertification, and drought that have destabilized ecosystems and livelihoods worldwide.

Key Focus Areas of COP16

The primary focus of the Negotiation Track will be the formulation of crucial decisions and political declarations by Parties to the Convention. These initiatives are intended to bolster global resilience to land degradation and drought, which have increasingly become threats to food security and human health.

In parallel, the Action Agenda will foster and highlight voluntary initiatives, innovations, and tangible solutions through various thematic days scheduled during the conference. This will emphasize restoration strategies and resilience to drought.

High-Level Segments and Thematic Days

Among the highlights of this year’s COP16 are high-level dialogues planned for December 2 and 3. These discussions will focus on important topics including drought resilience, finance, and the implications of land degradation on forced migration, security, and overall prosperity. This segment is anticipated to provide a vital platform for collaborative thinking and action among ministers and stakeholders from around the globe.

Dr. Osama Faqeeha, the Deputy Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, remarked, “COP16 in Riyadh is a critical moment for the international community to confront the challenges of land degradation, drought, and desertification. Our treatment of the land significantly affects food security, water scarcity, conflict, instability, and forced migration.”

As part of its dedication to fostering lasting change, Saudi Arabia will also host the first-ever Green Zone of UNCCD COP16, inviting participants from the scientific community, businesses, financial institutions, NGOs, and the public to engage in meaningful dialogue and initiatives.

Thematic Days Overview

In total, COP16 will feature seven thematic days, including:

• - Earth Day (December 4)
• - Food Systems Day (December 5)
• - Governance Day (December 6)
• - People Day (December 7)
• - Science, Technology, and Innovation Day (December 9)
• - Resilience Day (December 10)
• - Finance Day (December 11)

The UNCCD reports alarming statistics indicating that land degradation currently affects nearly 40% of the planet, impacting more than 3.2 billion people. Each year, around 100 million hectares of land degrade, exacerbated by a marked increase in the frequency and severity of droughts since 2000. The COP16 will prioritize mobilizing public and private financing to accelerate corrective measures.

Conclusion

The theme for UNCCD COP16 is “Our Land. Our Future,” aligning with the 30th anniversary of the UNCCD. This large-scale gathering in Riyadh aims to ensure concerted multilateral action on critical issues such as drought resilience, land tenure, and combating sand and dust storms. Journalists and representatives of interested parties are encouraged to register through the UNCCD Online Registration System (ORS) to participate in what promises to be a pivotal event for global environmental governance. For further information, visit UNCCDCOP16.org.

In summary, COP16 is set to become a landmark event in the fight against land degradation and desertification, providing a unique opportunity for global stakeholders to unite and lay down actionable plans that could significantly benefit ecosystems and communities worldwide.