#Saudi Arabia #Riyadh #UNCCD #Riyadh Action Agenda

Introduction

Saudi Arabia has recently initiated the Riyadh Action Agenda, a pivotal program aimed at enhancing land restoration efforts and addressing challenges posed by drought. This landmark initiative was officially unveiled during the COP16 conference held in Riyadh, showcasing the nation's commitment to sustainable agricultural practices while emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts at both national and international levels.

The Context of the Riyadh Action Agenda

At the heart of the Riyadh Action Agenda is a recognition of the critical state of global land and agricultural systems, which have been severely impacted by unsustainable practices. According to the UNCCD, agriculture significantly contributes to environmental degradation, accounting for 23% of greenhouse gas emissions, 80% of deforestation, and 70% of freshwater consumption. In acknowledgment of this, the agenda seeks to combat these issues by bringing together various stakeholders, including farmers, indigenous populations, and private sector partners, to foster innovative and sustainable agricultural solutions.

Dr. Osama Faqeeha, the Deputy Minister of Environment in Saudi Arabia, emphasized the urgency of the initiative in his opening address at the COP16. He stated that maintaining momentum in restoration initiatives post-conference is vital for establishing Saudi Arabia's leadership in land recovery efforts and ensuring a sustainable legacy.

Goals and Strategies of the Riyadh Action Agenda

The Riyadh Action Agenda aims to develop concrete actions that address land degradation and promote resilience against drought. This involves leveraging existing momentum from the COP16 discussions and extends over the two-year period of Saudi Arabia's UNCCD presidency. Specific goals include:
1. Promotion of Sustainable Practices: Emphasizing the need to shift toward sustainable agricultural practices that not only yield crops but also protect and rejuvenate soil health.
2. Multilateral Cooperation: By engaging various stakeholders, the agenda advocates for cooperative efforts to share knowledge and resources, which is essential for addressing complex agricultural challenges.
3. Long-term Investment in Agriculture: Dr. Faqeeha suggests that reallocating harmful agricultural subsidies could financially empower restoration initiatives, providing immediate relief to those working towards sustainable practices.

Day of Agricultural Food Systems at COP16

The Riyadh Action Agenda was formally launched on the Day of Agricultural Food Systems, one of seven thematic days dedicated to critical discussions during the COP16. Throughout this day, multiple events focused on sustainable agricultural practices, the promotion of healthy soils, resilient crops, and nutritious food. Discussions highlighted the indispensable role of the private sector in reshaping food systems and contributing to global food security.

With around 95% of our food sourced from the soil, the detrimental impact of unsustainable land management practices was starkly addressed. Each year, approximately 24 billion tons of fertile soil are lost, which poses significant threats to global food and water supplies.

Projections and Future Steps

The UNCCD warns that by 2050, crop yields could decline globally by 10%, with potentially larger decreases in the most affected regions. This would lead to a projected 30% increase in food prices, coinciding with rising demands due to population growth. Thus, the urgency of implementing the Riyadh Action Agenda cannot be overstated.

Conclusion

In summary, the Riyadh Action Agenda represents a transformative step for Saudi Arabia in combatting land degradation and promoting agricultural sustainability. By fostering inclusive participation from diverse actors in the agricultural sector, the initiative aims to create a collaborative framework for durable solutions to pressing environmental issues. As the COP16 progresses, it will be imperative to maintain focus and commitment to these goals, ensuring a resilient and sustainable future for land and food systems worldwide.