The sixteenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is currently being held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, under the theme “Our Land, Our Future”. This event, which coincides with the 30th anniversary of the UNCCD, promises to be a watershed in global efforts to combat desertification, restore degraded lands and build resilience to drought.
According to a press release published on the UNCCD website, COP16 marks “a renewed global commitment to accelerate investments and actions in favor of land restoration and climate resilience”. This commitment comes in a context where land degradation directly affects the lives of millions of people, particularly in the most vulnerable regions such as the Middle East and North Africa.
“This conference is a decisive moment to increase global ambition and accelerate action on land and drought resilience through a people-centered approach,” underlines the UNCCD.
COP16, which runs until December 13, is the first of its kind held in the Middle East and North Africa region, an area particularly affected by desertification and the growing impacts of climate change. With more than 197 parties (196 countries and the European Union), this session is described as “the largest United Nations conference on earth to date.”
COP16 is part of a historic moment for the UNCCD, one of the three Rio Conventions adopted in 1992 alongside the treaties on climate and biodiversity. On the occasion of this 30th anniversary, discussions focus on concrete and inclusive approaches to: Restore degraded terrestrial ecosystems, strengthen the resilience of local communities in the face of recurring droughts, promote sustainable and inclusive solutions to preserve natural resources.
The UNCCD calls on governments, the private sector and international organizations to step up their efforts to achieve ambitious targets for land restoration and adaptation to climate change. Emphasis is placed on mobilizing financial, technical and human resources to effectively respond to the urgent challenges linked to desertification.
With an increased focus on solutions centered on local populations, COP16 reflects a common vision: that of a world where land, valuable for biodiversity and food security, is protected for future generations.
As discussions continue in Riyadh, hope grows that this historic session can result in concrete commitments and strengthened partnerships, laying the foundations for a more resilient and sustainable future for our planet.
