A Saudi delegation participated Thursday in an environmental event organized by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Under the theme “Forest and land restoration: Pathways to COP 16 UNCCD,” and in conjunction with the 9th World Forest Week, the event underscores the importance of forests in land restoration and the prevention of land degradation as well as how could FAO support these efforts.
The event was held at FAO’s headquarters in Rome, with the presence of several specialists and experts in desertification.
Saudi Participation
The CEO of the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC), Dr. Khaled Al Abdul-Kader, headed the Saudi delegation in Rome. The delegation also involved representatives from the National Center for Environmental Compliance (NCEC); the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture; and other governmental entities concerned with combating desertification; in addition to the Kingdom’s Permanent Representative at FAO, Mohammed Al-Ghamdi.
The Saudi delegation addressed the latest developments and challenges facing the world, with regards to combating land degradation. In their speech, they highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts and preparations to host the 16th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP 16) in Riyadh on 2–13 December 2024.
The delegation thanked FAO and the participating members for emphasizing the importance of land restoration and the support provided to COP 16. The Saudi delegation invited everyone to be part of combating land degradation by participating in the upcoming COP 16 in Riyadh.
Saudi Environmental Efforts
Meanwhile, other speakers underlined Saudi Arabia’s efforts in restoring ecological systems and initiatives on drylands and forests, as part of the Kingdom’s preparations for the COP 16. They commended the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative and their projected results in reducing land degradation, which has reached 30% of landmass, according to the latest international statistics.
Moreover, they highlighted the Kingdom’s diversified terrain and natural resources which pose many environmental challenges. Nonetheless, the Saudi Green Initiative is operating according to long-term plans to combat desertification, land degradation and sand encroachment. They also added that the Middle East Green Initiative will restore 200 million hectares in 20 countries.
