UNCCD COP16: Spotlight on Land Governance for Sustainable Development

UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh: Pioneering Global Efforts in Land Governance and Sustainability

MAHABAHU DESK From Riyadh

(News Crafted From Rituraj Phukan, Climate Editor & Karunakar Reddy,Correspondent Mahabahu)

The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Riyadh marks a transformative moment in the global fight against desertification, land degradation, and drought. With the theme “Our Land. Our Future,” this year’s event emphasizes the critical role of inclusive land governance, sustainable practices, and youth engagement in addressing some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.

Land Governance at the Forefront
Land governance emerged as a central theme during COP16, with side events and high-level discussions highlighting its critical importance for promoting human rights, reducing land degradation, and fostering equitable development. Delegates from around the world addressed how responsible land tenure practices could empower marginalized communities and enhance resilience against environmental challenges.

In one interactive dialogue, mayors and subnational governments discussed strategies to accelerate sustainable land management. These conversations underscored that effective land governance requires collaboration across multiple sectors and jurisdictions, ensuring that land policies address not only environmental concerns but also socio-economic inequalities.

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Negotiations within the Committee of the Whole (COW) also advanced on key issues, including land tenure, gender equality, and the implications of land degradation as a driver of migration. In addition, the emerging issue of grassland and rangeland management highlighted the need for biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, and food security. The upcoming International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists in 2026 further underscored the global commitment to these ecosystems.

Riyadh Action Agenda: A Vision for Land Restoration
A pivotal outcome of COP16 is the launch of the Riyadh Action Agenda, a two-year initiative aimed at mobilizing resources and partnerships to accelerate land restoration and drought resilience. Announced on Agri-food System Day, this landmark program integrates state and non-state actors to address the challenges posed by unsustainable agricultural practices and land degradation.

Dr. Osama Faqeeha, Deputy Minister for Environment and Advisor to the UNCCD COP16 Presidency, stressed the urgency of rethinking agricultural systems, noting, “Around 95 percent of our food comes from the soil, yet we continue to treat it like dirt.” He emphasized the need to reform harmful agricultural subsidies and invest in sustainable practices to reverse alarming trends, such as the annual loss of 24 billion tons of fertile soil.

The UNCCD estimates that without intervention, crop yields could decline by up to 10 percent globally—and by as much as 50 percent in the hardest-hit regions—by 2050. This could lead to a 30 percent increase in food prices, further exacerbating global food insecurity.

Financial Commitments for a Resilient Future
COP16 has also been a catalyst for significant financial commitments, with over $12 billion pledged for land restoration and drought resilience. Contributions from entities such as the Arab Coordination Group, the OPEC Fund, the Islamic Development Bank, and Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership reflect a collective acknowledgment of the urgent need for action.

These financial commitments aim to support diverse initiatives, from enhancing healthy soils to fostering resilient agri-food systems. They also align with Saudi Arabia’s broader environmental strategy under its Vision 2030 framework, which integrates sustainability into national development goals.

Youth as Catalysts for Change
Youth empowerment has been a defining theme at COP16, recognizing the transformative potential of younger generations in shaping sustainable land management practices. From using technology for afforestation to leveraging social media for advocacy, young leaders have showcased innovative solutions to land degradation.

Prominent voices, such as 16-year-old climate activist Catarina Lorenzo, have called for greater youth inclusion in policy-making. “When we bring children to the table, we bring the voice of nature,” Lorenzo passionately stated, urging leaders to turn promises into tangible action.

Saudi Arabia has set a strong example by actively involving its youth in initiatives like the National Afforestation Project, which aims to plant 10 billion trees. Using drones for seed planting and integrating traditional techniques with modern tools, young Saudis have demonstrated the power of innovation in combating desertification.

Synergies Across Environmental Agendas
Another key takeaway from COP16 has been the emphasis on “synergies” across environmental frameworks. Recognizing that land restoration, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience are deeply interconnected, delegates called for aligned strategies across the three Rio Conventions—UNCCD, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

However, some delegates expressed frustration with the lack of concrete integration in negotiations. “We all talk about the importance of addressing the triple planetary crises, but we need to actually put it into the text,” one participant remarked. Calls for a “whole-of-MEA approach” underscore the urgency of harmonizing multilateral environmental agreements to ensure cohesive and effective action.

Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite the progress made at COP16, significant challenges remain. Youth leaders have pointed out the limited financial support for youth-led initiatives, with only a small fraction of global philanthropic funding directly benefiting young people. Additionally, while discussions on gender equality and indigenous rights have gained momentum, translating these conversations into actionable policies remains a critical hurdle.

Nevertheless, the Riyadh Action Agenda and other COP16 initiatives offer a roadmap for bridging these gaps. By fostering international collaboration, amplifying diverse voices, and mobilizing resources, the conference has laid a strong foundation for future efforts.

A Legacy of Hope and Action
As COP16 draws to a close, it leaves behind a legacy of ambitious commitments and collaborative solutions. Saudi Arabia’s leadership has demonstrated the potential of integrating sustainability into national and regional policies, setting an example for other nations to follow.

The decisions made in Riyadh will undoubtedly influence global efforts to combat land degradation, build resilience to drought, and promote equitable development. Through innovation, inclusion, and unwavering commitment, COP16 has charted a path toward a sustainable and resilient future, proving that our land is indeed our future.

07-12-2024

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