Riyadh, February 1, 2024, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has set forth ambitious objectives, with plans to host the Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Riyadh. The primary goal is to foster collaboration among the 197 signatory countries and explore practical solutions for the rehabilitation of degraded land to mitigate the impact of drought.
Underlining the significance of COP16, the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture emphasized the crucial role that vegetation cover in forests and pastures plays, contributing approximately 75% to the global income of freshwater. Additionally, a staggering 99% of the world's food income is derived from the land. International reports and studies reveal that around 3 billion people worldwide are affected by land degradation, resulting in an estimated loss of $6 trillion.
The ministry's dedicated efforts have made substantial strides in land preservation, with over 90,000 hectares safeguarded through the planting of more than 50 million trees in various regions of the Kingdom over the past year. This extensive initiative aligns with a range of awareness programs launched within the society.
The forthcoming hosting of COP16 by the Kingdom signifies its commitment to mobilizing nations worldwide to preserve diverse lands, curb degradation, and combat desertification and drought effects. This commitment is reinforced by the implementation of ambitious initiatives such as the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative, both aiming to plant an impressive 50 billion trees. These initiatives not only underscore Saudi Arabia's dedication to environmental conservation but also position the nation as a proactive leader in addressing global challenges related to land degradation and sustainable development.
