#Saudi Arabia #climate action #KAUST #Biodiversity Loss #Thuwal

Urgent Call for Action on Land Restoration

Recent findings from researchers at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) emphasize the necessity to address land restoration and food systems to mitigate climate change and biodiversity loss. In collaboration with the Aeon Collective, they released a policy paper titled "Bending the Curve: A Call to Action on Land Restoration and Sustainability". This document outlines a strategic framework to halve degraded land by 2050, unveiling plans that tackle the urgent crises facing our ecological systems.

The Critical State of Land Degradation

Land degradation is a dual challenge; it not only contributes to climate change by diminishing the land’s capacity to sequester carbon effectively but also exacerbates the problem by reducing agricultural productivity. The harsh reality is that degraded lands yield less, leading to unsustainable farming practices that further distort food systems. As such, the researchers argue for an integrated approach that transforms not only land management but also global food systems, aiming for sustainability at their core.

A Platform for Global Action

During the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, hosted in Riyadh, experts placed an urgent spotlight on land degradation. For the first time, a Middle Eastern nation has taken center stage in hosting such a pivotal event, underscoring the region's essential role in the worldwide dialogue on sustainability. The event signifies a chance for leaders to commit to actionable strategies that promote sustainable land management.

Key Recommendations from the Policy Paper

The researchers outlined vital strategies to tackle these pressing issues:

1. Enhancing International Collaboration: They advocate for synergies across various United Nations Conventions to create cohesive policy guidelines and joint efforts in monitoring implementation. Establishing an Integrated Conventions Panel is essential for accountability and progress tracking.
2. Leveraging Technology: Incorporating advanced AI and earth observation technologies can improve real-time monitoring of land health, ensuring governance and transparency across nations.
3. Empowering Local Communities: Acknowledging and integrating indigenous knowledge into governance frameworks is vital. Providing support to smallholder farmers in securing land tenure and access to sustainable technologies can bolster agricultural resilience.
4. Promoting Sustainable Food Practices: A transformative shift towards regenerative agriculture and a target of reducing food waste by 75% by 2050 are proposed. Emphasis is placed on encouraging plant-based diets and sustainably sourced seafood.
5. Setting Ambitious Land Degradation Targets: The aim is to commit to reducing degraded land by 50% by 2050 and achieving Land Degradation Neutrality by 2030, aligning with global climate and biodiversity objectives.
6. Mobilizing Innovative Financing: Establishing Green Bonds and Sustainable Land Investment Funds will attract private capital for restoration projects. Models like debt-for-nature swaps are essential to support sustainable land management in developing nations.

The Urgency of Restoration Efforts

International agreements focusing on ecosystem restoration that captures carbon, supports biodiversity, and enhances water management are crucial. The time has come to elevate the discussion on land degradation in political agendas, ensuring that recovery strategies are informed by scientific research and include public participation.

Emerging from this initiative, expert Fernando Maestre stated, "Food systems are central to our global challenges of climate change, land degradation, and biodiversity loss, and are fundamental for our development." Despite pre-existing international agreements on climate and biodiversity, there remains a significant gap in addressing food systems within the global agenda.

Princess Noura bint Turki Al Saud and Princess Mashael bint Saud AlShalan emphasized the ambition of Aeon Collective to turn sustainability into a concrete reality, enriching communities while fostering harmony with nature. Their collaboration with KAUST reflects a commitment to pioneering integrated solutions for future generations.

As COP16 unfolds from December 2nd to 13th, the eyes of the world are focused on how global leaders will respond to these urgent calls for action to combat desertification and promote sustainable land management practices.