#Saudi Arabia #Riyadh #COP16 #Drought #Land Restoration

COP16: A Landmark Event in the Fight Against Land Degradation and Drought

The recent UNCCD COP16 summit, held under Saudi Arabia's Presidency in Riyadh, has set a new precedent in global engagement against land degradation and drought. This year's conference was historic, being the largest assembly of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) ever recorded, attracting an overwhelming participation of more than 24,000 registered attendees.

The Riyadh Action Agenda

One of the key highlights of COP16 was the introduction of the Riyadh Action Agenda, designed to galvanize international collaboration toward drought resilience and land restoration. This innovative agenda has already sparked cooperation among over 100 initiatives globally.

Dr. Osama Faqeeha, Deputy Minister for Environment in Saudi Arabia, emphasized that COP16 is merely the starting point for ongoing engagement with various stakeholders, including financial institutions, international organizations, NGOs, and local communities, including Indigenous Peoples and farmers. This collaborative approach aims to strengthen existing efforts while fostering new initiatives to combat the pressing issues of land degradation.

Significant Financial Commitments

COP16 was also marked by impressive financial pledges, securing over $12 billion aimed at bolstering efforts for land restoration and improving drought resilience. A critical component of this financial mobilization is the newly launched Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership. This significant partnership has already garnered $2 billion to support countries that are particularly vulnerable to drought, amounting to 80 nations worldwide.

Key Thematic Days

The conference featured specific thematic days focusing on various aspects of drought and land health, such as Land Day, Governance Day, Science, Technology and Innovation Day, and more. These thematic sessions served as platforms for productive discussions between the public and private sectors, drawing in over 57,000 participants from all corners of the world.

Innovations in Drought Management

As part of the various initiatives launched, Saudi Arabia showcased the REMDY project—an AI-driven platform aimed at assessing land health. Furthermore, the establishment of an international initiative aimed at monitoring sand and dust storms was announced, accompanied by a five-year funding commitment of $10 million to enhance early warning systems in regions lacking monitoring capabilities.

UNCCD's Publications and Findings

In conjunction with the summit, the UNCCD released several critical publications, including a financial risk assessment that highlighted a staggering $278 billion annual shortfall for land restoration efforts. Reports also revealed that 75% of Earth’s land has become permanently drier over the last 30 years, underscoring the urgency of addressing land degradation, drought, and desertification.

Conclusion

The COP16 summit has been characterized as a turning point, amplifying global awareness and commitment to urgently tackle challenges posed by land degradation and drought. The impact of this assembly is expected to resonate for years, influencing future actions and policies. Saudi Arabia, through the UNCCD COP16 Presidency, aims to enhance strategic collaborations and mobilize global resources to boost restoration efforts, ushering in a new era of international cooperation against these pressing environmental crises.

For more detailed information about the outcomes and initiatives from COP16, visit UNCCDCOP16.org.