Economy

New Riyadh Action Agenda tackles land restoration and drought in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia Launches the Riyadh Action Agenda to Combat Land Degradation

In a groundbreaking move, Saudi Arabia has unveiled the Riyadh Action Agenda, a bold initiative aimed at bringing together key players to address land degradation, desertification, and drought.

Key Announcement by Deputy Minister for Environment

Osama Faqeeha, the deputy minister for environment at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and advisor to the UNCCD COP16 presidency, made the announcement during a keynote address at a high-level dialogue on sustainable agri-food systems.

Aiming for Tangible Impact

The Riyadh Action Agenda will harness the momentum of COP16’s two-year presidency to involve a wide range of stakeholders in making a real difference for farmers, indigenous communities, and other vulnerable groups.

Call for Continued Action

Faqeeha emphasized the need for sustained action beyond COP16, stressing the importance of ongoing mobilization to accelerate land restoration efforts and enhance resilience to drought. He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s leadership in this area and the lasting impact it could have on a global scale.

Focusing on Agriculture

Agriculture, a major contributor to land degradation, plays a significant role in global greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and freshwater use. The discussions on Agri-Food System Day at COP16 addressed sustainable agricultural practices, including soil health, resilient crops, and the involvement of the private sector in transforming food systems.

Urgent Need for Change

Faqeeha underscored the urgency of addressing unsustainable agricultural practices that are leading to soil loss, threatening global food and water security, and impacting farmers and consumers. He warned of potential declines in crop yields and rising food prices if immediate action is not taken.

Looking Towards the Future

The UNCCD COP16 conference, themed Our Land. Our Future., is taking place from December 2-13, 2024, at Boulevard Riyadh World. This milestone event, coinciding with the UNCCD’s 30th anniversary, aims to tackle pressing issues such as drought resilience and land tenure for a sustainable future.