Riyadh Action Agenda Shines Light on Land Governance at UNCCD COP16

The Riyadh Action Agenda: A Focus on Land Governance at UNCCD COP16

The ongoing COP16 of the UNCCD in Riyadh, taking place from December 2 to 13, 2024, has put the spotlight on land governance as a cornerstone in the fight against land degradation, drought, and desertification. During the pivotal Governance Day, discussions emphasized the necessity of effective governance in local, regional, and international efforts to tackle these pressing environmental challenges. The launch of the Riyadh Action Agenda marks a significant move towards mobilizing state and non-state actors to enhance restoration efforts and bolster resilience against drought. The overarching goal is to restore 1.5 billion hectares of degraded land by 2030, as set forth by the UNCCD convention.

Key highlights from the Governance Day included a strong declaration urging collaboration between local and regional governments to create actionable roadmaps against soil degradation and desertification. This comes at a critical juncture where urbanization and population growth are intensifying pressures on ecosystems and natural resources. Uğur İbrahim Altay, the Mayor of Konya, Turkey, noted that substantial action requires equally significant resources, calling for enhanced investment in drought-resilient infrastructure and ecosystem restoration.

Additionally, the Mayor of Riyadh, Walid Al-Akrish, addressed the challenges posed by rapid urbanization and unsustainable agricultural practices, which have led to alarming rates of biodiversity loss and soil degradation. With projections indicating that 68% of the global population will reside in urban areas by 2050, it is essential for local authorities to manage resources effectively to meet the needs of growing populations.

The Mayors Forum, which convened current and former mayors alongside policymakers and experts, played a crucial role in underlining the importance of local governance and cooperation. Participants highlighted the necessity for inclusive financing and cooperative efforts in the fight against land degradation. They agreed upon the need for decision-making at the local level to create effective strategies against desertification and drought.

The forum also addressed the ties between urban and rural areas, facilitating discussions on governance frameworks and funding tools that can strengthen the linkages between urban consumers and rural producers. Osama Faqeeha, Vice Minister of Environment, reiterated the importance of localized decision-making in tackling environmental challenges and called for synergies between urban populations and rural producers.

The launch of the Riyadh Action Agenda has gained momentum, already involving key stakeholders to expedite restoration actions and build resilience against drought. This initiative aims to create tangible changes for communities globally, continuing throughout COP16 and beyond. As part of the agenda, Saudi Arabia has secured over $12 billion in funding pledges from major international organizations, amplifying the critical role of both private and public sectors in combating land degradation and desertification.

Looking ahead, the Riyadh Action Agenda encourages more countries, private sectors, and financial institutions to participate actively in global initiatives against land degradation, such as the Green Middle East Initiative and the Great Green Wall of Africa. The conference aims to set a robust framework for operationalizing these commitments to achieve sustainable management of land resources.

As COP16 commemorates the 30th anniversary of the UNCCD, the overarching theme, “Our Land. Our Future,” calls for a unified multilateral approach to address critical issues such as land tenure systems, resilience to drought, and environmental challenges posed by sand and dust storms. With such initiatives underway, COP16 in Riyadh could be a transformative milestone in global efforts to secure sustainable land governance for future generations.