COP16 A Milestone in Combating Desertification

The 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) concluded in Riyadh with the adoption of 35 resolutions aimed at addressing critical environmental challenges. These measures focus on combating land degradation and drought, managing migration and dust storms, and enhancing the role of science, research, innovation, women, youth, civil society, and Indigenous peoples in tackling these pressing issues.  

Key Outcomes and Initiatives

The conference, held from December 2 to 13, marked a historic milestone, as it was hosted for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa region. Saudi Arabia played a pivotal role as the host country, emphasizing its commitment to preserving ecosystems and fostering international cooperation. Over 85,000 participants, including representatives from international organizations, the private sector, and civil society institutions, attended the event, which featured more than 900 activities.  

The Saudi Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Abdul Rahman bin Abdul Mohsen Al-Fadhli, underscored the country's leadership in environmental conservation. He announced three groundbreaking initiatives:  

1-Early Warning System for Dust and Sand Storms: This aims to mitigate the impacts of sandstorms and provide timely alerts.  

2-The Riyadh Global Partnership for Drought Resilience: Focused on enhancing global responses to drought conditions.

3-Business for Land Initiative: Encouraging private sector engagement in sustainable land management and  combating land degradation.

Additionally, several other governments, private entities, and civil society organizations introduced complementary initiatives. Regional donors pledged $12 billion to support projects targeting land degradation and drought mitigation.  

A Regional and Global Commitment  

COP16 served as a platform for collective action and innovation, reinforcing the importance of collaboration at all levels to address environmental challenges. Hosting the conference in Riyadh highlighted the region's growing influence in global environmental efforts. Saudi Arabia’s proactive leadership and ambitious initiatives underline its commitment to advancing sustainable development and combating desertification, not just regionally but globally.  

This landmark session sets a precedent for future conferences, bringing together diverse stakeholders and reinforcing the importance of unified action in protecting the planet’s resources for generations to come.