#Saudi Arabia #Riyadh #UNCCD #COP16 #Riyadh Action Agenda

Riyadh Action Agenda Gains Momentum

The Riyadh Action Agenda has recently taken significant strides forward as it positions land governance at the forefront of discussions during the UNCCD's COP16 conference held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With local, regional, and international efforts uniting to address pressing issues such as land degradation, drought, and desertification, the agenda is garnering widespread attention across various sectors.

On December 9, during the Government Day at COP16, crucial debates centered on the role of governance in combating these pressing issues. The discussions yielded a commitment from local and regional governments to develop actionable roadmaps to face the challenges posed by land degradation and drought effectively.

One of the highlights included the Mayors' Forum, featuring insights from mayors, policymakers, and experts. The forum emphasized the pivotal role that local governments play in mitigating land degradation and fostering resilience against drought. Uğur İbrahim Altay, the Mayor of Konya, Turkey, and co-chair of Cities and Local Governments United, stressed the necessity of mobilizing significant resources for impactful action.

Altay articulated, “For meaningful action, we need significant resources. It is essential for local and subnational leaders to join forces in the fight against soil degradation and drought, prioritizing investments in resilient infrastructure and ecosystem restoration.”

Another major player, Walid Al-Akrish, project delegate from the Riyadh Municipality, highlighted upsetting trends exacerbated by rapid urbanization and unsustainable agricultural practices, causing alarming rates of soil degradation. With urban areas predicted to house 68% of the global population by 2050, it becomes increasingly critical for regional authorities to manage resources effectively to accommodate the growing population.

Alongside the forum, a session focused on urban-rural connections explored governance frameworks and funding tools to enhance synergies between rural producers and urban consumers. Dr. Osama Faqeeha, Deputy Minister of Environment in the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, emphasized the need for localized decision-making to tackle land degradation, desertification, and drought efficiently.

“The Riyadh Action Agenda is currently underway and mobilizing key stakeholders to accelerate actions regarding land restoration and drought resilience. It aims to achieve tangible changes for communities worldwide, both during COP16 and in the future,” stated Faqeeha.

The conference's launch of the Riyadh Action Agenda encourages governments, private sectors, and international financial institutions to strengthen efforts against land degradation and desertification. Notable initiatives like the Green Initiative of the Middle East, the Great Green Wall, and the Global Riyadh Alliance for Drought Resilience are also being promoted alongside new initiatives aimed at enhancing global action.

As of now, COP16 has successfully secured over $12 billion in financial commitments from leading international organizations, enhancing the role of private sectors in combating soil degradation. The conference has set out the innovative Global Riyadh Alliance for Drought Resilience, aimed at consolidating efforts across various industry sectors.

The COP16 conference from December 2 to 13, 2024, heralds a landmark occasion marking the 30th anniversary of the UNCCD, reinforcing the necessity for multilateral action on critical issues such as drought resilience and land tenure as participants work toward a sustainable future.

As discussions and collaborations reach new heights in Riyadh, attendees remain optimistic that the collective efforts observed at COP16 will lead to meaningful change in tackling environmental challenges worldwide.