Saudi Arabia is gearing up to take the lead in the global fight against land degradation and desertification. The Kingdom is hosting the COP16 UN Conference on Land Degradation and Desertification from 2 to 13 December. This pivotal event brings together nearly 100 government ministers and thousands of delegates to address pressing environmental challenges.
A “Moonshot Moment” for Land Restoration
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the conference as a “moonshot moment” for tackling land degradation and responding to drought impacts. He urged nations to allocate significant resources to reverse land degradation trends that threaten ecosystems and food security.
Land degradation, driven by pollution and deforestation, disrupts ecosystems and reduces agricultural productivity. Desertification, the most severe form, poses critical challenges for arid regions like Saudi Arabia, with severe consequences for food security and livelihoods.
Saudi Ambitious Land Restoration Plan
Deputy Environment Minister Osama Faqeeha emphasized the kingdom’s harsh reality, stating, “We face the toughest mode of land degradation—desertification. Our land is arid, and rainfall is scarce.” Saudi Arabia aims to restore 40 million hectares of degraded land, having already recovered 240,000 hectares through initiatives like logging bans and national park expansions.
Countries committed to restoring one billion hectares of degraded land by 2030 at COP15 in Ivory Coast. However, experts now say 1.5 billion hectares must be restored globally to address land degradation and drought effectively. Sustainable practices, such as tree planting and wetland restoration, are critical to these efforts.
Collective Action and Global Security
UNCCD Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw highlighted the urgency, noting, “We have lost 40% of our land and soils. Global security is at stake.” COP16 aims to secure stronger commitments for land restoration, building on recent climate finance discussions at COP29.
While Saudi Arabia faces criticism as a major oil producer, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is spearheading reforms to balance environmental initiatives with economic diversification. The COP16 conference reflects this dual focus, aiming to advance both international environmental and domestic economic goals.
French President Emmanuel Macron and other global leaders will attend, signaling the event’s international significance. Saudi Arabia has also opened the conference to civil society organizations, emphasizing constructive engagement while navigating its restrictive protest laws.
Urgent Call for Action
Faqeeha stressed the importance of acting swiftly, warning that further delays could result in irreversible losses. Saudi Arabia’s participation in COP16 underscores its commitment to addressing land degradation and securing a sustainable future.
