RIYADH: The 16th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification is poised to be a crucial juncture in the global battle against desertification and land degradation.

Scheduled for Dec. 2-13, 2024, in Riyadh, COP16 is themed “Our Land. Our Future.” This event coincides with the 30th anniversary of the UNCCD and marks the first time its COP will convene in the Middle East and North Africa — a region severely impacted by desertification and drought.

As one of the three Rio Conventions, alongside climate change and biodiversity, UNCCD plays a vital role in global environmental governance. COP16 aims to spur unprecedented ambition and investment to restore degraded lands and bolster drought resilience.

Key objectives of the conference include scaling up land restoration, strengthening drought resilience, and promoting people-centered solutions. Vijay Valecha, chief investment officer of Century Financial, highlighted the economic benefits of land restoration, noting that every dollar invested can yield returns ranging from $7 to $30.

Saudi Arabia, as host, is introducing the first-ever Green Zone at a UNCCD COP, aimed at mobilizing various stakeholders to drive lasting change. COP16 will also feature a dual-track dialogue, combining negotiations with an action agenda to address pressing environmental issues.

The high-level segment, scheduled for Dec. 2-3, will include ministerial dialogues on drought resilience, finance, and the impact of land degradation and drought on migration, security, and prosperity.

Saudi Arabia’s hosting of COP16 underscores the region’s critical role in tackling desertification and water scarcity. The MENA region is one of the most affected by desertification, with some areas experiencing nearly 100 percent land degradation.

The “Missed calls from the land” campaign, launched by the COP16 presidency, aims to raise global awareness about land degradation, drought, and desertification. Currently, 40 percent of the world’s land is degraded, affecting 3.2 billion people.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) will play a central role at COP16, reflecting its commitment to sustainable land management and food security. FAO’s Abdul Hakim Elwaer emphasized the organization’s active participation in discussions on transforming food systems and coordinating thematic days.

Building resilience to drought will be a key focus of COP16, with a comprehensive framework needed to improve drought resilience. Measures such as promoting drought-resistant crops and establishing drought management funds will be essential.

COP16 will provide a platform for regional countries to showcase their resilience strategies and contribute to shaping global policies. Innovative solutions, from advanced land management practices to cutting-edge technologies in water conservation, will also be highlighted.

For the first time, COP16 will feature a Green Zone alongside the formal Blue Zone program, promoting environmental awareness through family-friendly and cultural activities. The emphasis on inclusivity will include forums and training sessions for youth, women, and indigenous communities.

COP16 is expected to unveil groundbreaking initiatives, with potential developments in financing mechanisms and restoration funds. The private sector’s role in achieving COP16’s goals will be critical, with support from international financial institutions and private companies.

As COP16 commences, it represents a call to action — a chance to transform ambition into tangible solutions for land, livelihoods, and the planet’s future.

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