COP16 in Riyadh: A Landmark Initiative for Global Land Restoration and Climate Resilience

MOHAN KHOUND

The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) commenced in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking a pivotal moment for global land restoration efforts.

Held under the theme “Our Land. Our Future,” the conference brings together representatives from governments, scientific communities, civil society, and the private sector to address the interconnected challenges of land degradation, desertification, and drought.

This year’s COP holds particular significance as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of the UNCCD and is hosted in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region for the first time.

COP16 in Riyadh: A Landmark Initiative for Global Land Restoration and Climate Resilience

Saudi Arabia, leveraging its Vision 2030 framework, has positioned itself as a leader in environmental sustainability. Initiatives like the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to combating desertification while advancing economic diversification.

A Platform for Global Action
Ibrahim Thiaw, the Executive Secretary of the UNCCD, opened the plenary session by highlighting the urgency of land restoration as a solution to some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including climate change, food insecurity, forced migration, and economic inequality. “Land restoration emerges as one of the most effective tools to address these interconnected crises,” Thiaw noted.

The conference agenda focuses on 10 key decisions, including discussions on innovative drought risk management, secure land tenure, gender equality in land governance, and the midterm review of the 2018–2030 Strategic Framework.

A significant emphasis has also been placed on integrating the objectives of the three Rio Conventions—UNCCD, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)—to create synergies that accelerate global action.

Youth as Catalysts for Change
Youth empowerment has emerged as a defining theme at COP16, reflecting the recognition that young people are integral to sustainable land management. The conference has provided a platform for youth leaders worldwide to share innovative solutions to land degradation, ranging from leveraging technology for afforestation to using social media for environmental advocacy.

One standout voice was 16-year-old climate activist Catarina Lorenzo, who passionately argued for greater youth inclusion in policy-making. “When we bring children to the table, we bring the voice of nature,” she remarked, urging global leaders to take immediate and effective action.

Similarly, Jorge Leyva from the International Forestry Students’ Association emphasized the frustration of being relegated to observation roles. “If we don’t have a seat at the table now, how will we know what comes next?” he asked.

Saudi Arabia, as the host nation, has showcased its commitment to empowering young people. Initiatives such as the Green Saudi Initiative have mobilized thousands of young Saudis in afforestation projects, blending technology with traditional techniques. Among the innovative projects highlighted was the use of drones for seed planting in degraded areas.

Riyadh Action Agenda: A Path Forward
One of the most significant outcomes of COP16 is the launch of the Riyadh Action Agenda, a transformative initiative aimed at accelerating land restoration and drought resilience. Announced on Agri-food System Day, the agenda seeks to mobilize state and non-state actors over the two-year duration of Saudi Arabia’s COP16 presidency.

Dr. Osama Faqeeha, Deputy Minister for Environment and Advisor to the UNCCD COP16 Presidency, emphasized the need to address the environmental toll of unsustainable agricultural practices. “Around 95 percent of our food comes from the soil, yet we continue to treat it like dirt,” he remarked, highlighting the urgent need for reforms in agricultural subsidies and practices.

The UNCCD warns that, by 2050, global crop yields could decline by 10 percent, with some regions experiencing a 50 percent drop. This scenario could lead to a 30 percent increase in food prices, exacerbating global food insecurity. The Riyadh Action Agenda aims to address these challenges through measures such as enhancing healthy soils, promoting resilient crops, and fostering sustainable agri-food systems.

Financial Commitments and Regional Leadership
COP16 has witnessed unprecedented financial commitments, with over $12 billion pledged for land restoration and drought resilience since the conference began. The Arab Coordination Group, OPEC Fund, Islamic Development Bank, and Saudi Arabia have all contributed significantly to the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership.

These financial pledges reflect a broader trend of collaborative action, with countries like Burkina Faso sharing their successful integration of traditional agricultural practices with modern tools to build drought resilience. “When we share our experiences and knowledge across borders, we create a stronger foundation for sustainable action,” noted a delegate from Burkina Faso.

Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite the progress, significant challenges remain. Youth leaders like Lorenzo have pointed out the lack of financial support for youth-led initiatives, with only 2 percent of global philanthropic funding benefiting young people directly. Furthermore, while youth participation is increasing, their influence on actual policy decisions often remains limited.

The Riyadh Action Agenda and other COP16 initiatives aim to bridge these gaps by integrating diverse perspectives, fostering intergenerational collaboration, and mobilizing resources for lasting impact.

A Legacy of Hope and Action
As COP16 progresses, the focus remains on turning discussions into tangible outcomes. Saudi Arabia’s leadership has set a strong example by integrating environmental sustainability into its national and regional policies, showcasing the power of innovation and collaboration.

The conference has underscored the interconnectedness of land restoration, climate resilience, and socio-economic stability. By amplifying youth voices, fostering international collaboration, and mobilizing resources, COP16 serves as a beacon of hope for a sustainable and equitable future.

The decisions made in Riyadh will undoubtedly shape global efforts to combat desertification and build resilience to drought, marking a new era in the fight against land degradation.

Karunakaran Reddy, Correspondent- MAHABAHU at Cop16

06-12-2024

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