Saudi Arabia Announces Historic UNCCD Green Zone, Thematic

Saudi Arabia has announced the establishment of the first-ever Green Zone and seven thematic days for the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), set to be hosted in Riyadh from December 2 to 13, 2024. The announcement, made by the Presidency of COP16 Riyadh, marks a historic first in the convention’s history and underscores the Kingdom’s growing leadership in global environmental diplomacy. Could this be the moment the world finally unites to reverse the tide of land degradation?

The Green Zone, a dedicated space designed to raise global awareness about land degradation and connect decision-makers from scientific, non-governmental, political, business, and at-risk communities, represents a significant innovation in the UNCCD process. For the first time, a UNCCD COP will feature such a zone alongside seven thematic days, a program that reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to galvanizing international action against desertification, drought, and land degradation. The initiative is part of the Kingdom’s broader efforts under its incoming COP16 Presidency to deliver lasting global change.

Context and Background

Why does land degradation matter to every nation on Earth? According to the UNCCD, land degradation, desertification, and drought affect almost every corner of the planet, threatening biodiversity, food security, and livelihoods. As the global population grows and climate change intensifies, the pressure on land and water resources has never been greater. Saudi Arabia, with its vast desert landscapes and deep understanding of arid environments, is uniquely positioned to lead the global conversation on these issues.

The Kingdom’s hosting of COP16 builds on its longstanding commitment to environmental sustainability, a key pillar of Saudi Vision 2030. The conference will bring together governments, scientists, businesses, and civil society to address the challenges of land degradation and drought. The Green Zone and thematic days are designed to foster collaboration and innovation, ensuring that commitments made during the conference translate into tangible actions. As Dr. Osama Faqeeha, Deputy Minister for Environment at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and Advisor to the UNCCD COP16 Presidency, noted, “Land degradation, desertification, and drought affect almost every corner of the planet and every living being on it, from species at risk of extinction to the livelihoods of those impacted by severe drought.”

The announcement of the Green Zone and thematic days is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s proactive approach to environmental diplomacy. By creating a space for diverse stakeholders to engage, the Kingdom is ensuring that COP16 is not just a series of negotiations but a catalyst for real-world solutions. This approach aligns with the UNCCD’s broader mission to forge a global partnership to reverse and prevent desertification and land degradation.

Key Details of the Green Zone and Thematic Days

What exactly will the Green Zone and thematic days entail? The Green Zone will serve as a dynamic hub for dialogue, networking, and exhibitions, open to the public and featuring interactive sessions, innovative technologies, and best practices in land restoration. It aims to connect key decision-makers from various sectors to develop and fund lasting solutions. The seven thematic days, held in both the Green and Blue Zones, will focus on critical issues ranging from agri-food systems to finance.

Land Day will spotlight land restoration initiatives and nature-based solutions, highlighting successful projects from around the world. The Business for Land Forum will bring together global leaders to discuss the economic imperatives of sustainable land practices, emphasizing that investing in land is investing in our future. Finance Day will address the financing gap in combating land degradation, with a special ministerial dialogue showcasing innovation in Sustainable Land Management financing. This is particularly important given that the UN Environment Program reports $7 trillion is invested annually in activities that harm nature, equivalent to 7 percent of global GDP.

Governance Day will focus on improving women’s land rights and addressing pressing policy issues surrounding land tenure and resource governance. Agri-Food Systems Day will explore food security, crop resilience, and sustainable farming practices, recognizing the intrinsic link between healthy land and healthy food systems. Resilience Day will address water scarcity, drought resilience, and early warning systems for sand and dust storms. People’s Day will feature a youth caucus addressing the critical role of young people, a gender caucus, and discussions about increasing the participation of at-risk groups. According to UNCCD, one billion people under the age of 25 live in regions heavily dependent on land and natural resources for livelihoods. Science, Technology, and Innovation Day will emphasize the role of science in land restoration and prevention of further degradation, nurturing long-term solutions and ensuring synergies with climate and biodiversity fields.

These thematic days are designed to foster action and dialogue among key stakeholders, ensuring that the conference addresses the multifaceted nature of land degradation. By dedicating specific days to these issues, Saudi Arabia is ensuring that no stone is left unturned in the fight against desertification. The inclusion of a youth caucus and gender caucus underscores the importance of inclusive solutions that leave no one behind.

International and Regional Impact

How will the Green Zone and thematic days influence global efforts to combat land degradation? By providing a platform for collaboration, the initiative is expected to mobilize the international community, catalyze new partnerships, and accelerate the implementation of the UNCCD’s objectives. The presence of a Green Zone, open to the public, will also raise awareness among ordinary citizens, empowering them to take action in their own communities.

Regionally, the initiative reinforces Saudi Arabia’s role as a leader in environmental sustainability in the Middle East and beyond. The Kingdom’s efforts to combat desertification are particularly relevant to the region, where arid conditions and water scarcity are prevalent. By sharing its expertise and hosting this global event, Saudi Arabia is contributing to the stability and prosperity of the region. Moreover, the conference will attract thousands of participants from around the world, boosting the local economy and showcasing the Kingdom’s modernization and hospitality.

The Green Zone and thematic days are also expected to generate significant momentum for the UNCCD’s goals, which include achieving land degradation neutrality by 2030. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the conference will facilitate the exchange of knowledge and the scaling up of successful initiatives. The commitments made at COP16 will have far-reaching implications for global food security, climate resilience, and biodiversity conservation.

Economic and Strategic Significance

What are the economic implications of addressing land degradation? Land degradation costs the global economy billions of dollars annually in lost productivity and ecosystem services. By investing in sustainable land management, countries can unlock economic opportunities, create jobs, and enhance food security. The Business for Land Forum and Finance Day will highlight the economic case for land restoration, encouraging private sector investment and innovative financing models.

For Saudi Arabia, hosting COP16 and leading these initiatives aligns with its strategic goals of economic diversification and sustainable development. Under Vision 2030, the Kingdom is pursuing a green economy, reducing its dependence on oil, and investing in renewable energy and environmental projects. The Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aim to plant billions of trees and restore degraded land across the region. COP16 provides a global stage to showcase these efforts and attract international collaboration.

The conference also presents an opportunity for Saudi Arabia to strengthen its position as a hub for international diplomacy and environmental governance. By hosting a successful COP16, the Kingdom can enhance its soft power and influence in global affairs, building on its recent hosting of other major events. The economic benefits of the conference, including tourism and business opportunities, further underscore its strategic importance.

Vision 2030 Alignment

How does the Green Zone and thematic days initiative align with Saudi Vision 2030? Vision 2030 is a comprehensive plan to diversify the Kingdom’s economy, improve quality of life, and promote sustainable development. Environmental sustainability is a core component, with initiatives aimed at protecting natural resources, reducing pollution, and combating climate change. The COP16 Green Zone and thematic days are a direct extension of these efforts, demonstrating Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global environmental stewardship.

By hosting COP16 and pioneering the Green Zone, Saudi Arabia is not only addressing a critical global challenge but also showcasing its ability to lead on the world stage. The event will highlight the Kingdom’s progress in land restoration, water management, and renewable energy, reinforcing its reputation as a responsible and forward-looking nation. As the world gathers in Riyadh, the outcomes of COP16 will contribute to the global fight against land degradation and help build a more sustainable future for all. In the words of Dr. Faqeeha, “Saudi Arabia will host the first-ever UNCCD COP16 Green Zone to mobilize the international community and maximize the opportunity during December’s conference to deliver lasting global change.”

20 Questions

Q1. What is the UNCCD COP16 and when will it take place?

A1. The UNCCD COP16 is the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. It will be hosted by Saudi Arabia in Riyadh from December 2 to 13, 2024.

Q2. What is the Green Zone announced for COP16?

A2. The Green Zone is a dedicated space at COP16 designed to raise awareness about land degradation and connect decision-makers from science, NGOs, politics, business, and at-risk communities to develop and fund lasting solutions.

Q3. Why is the Green Zone considered historic?

A3. It is the first time in the history of the UNCCD COP that a Green Zone will be established, marking a significant innovation in the conference format and reflecting Saudi Arabia’s leadership.

Q4. What are the seven thematic days at COP16?

A4. The seven thematic days are Land Day, Business for Land Forum, Finance Day, Governance Day, Agri-Food Systems Day, Resilience Day, People’s Day, and Science, Technology, and Innovation Day.

Q5. What will Land Day focus on?

A5. Land Day will spotlight land restoration initiatives and nature-based solutions, highlighting successful projects and fostering action to combat land degradation.

Q6. What is the purpose of the Business for Land Forum?

A6. The Business for Land Forum will bring together global leaders to discuss the economic imperatives of sustainable land practices, emphasizing the business case for investing in land restoration.

Q7. What will Finance Day address?

A7. Finance Day will address the financing gap in combating land degradation, with a special ministerial dialogue on innovative financing for Sustainable Land Management.

Q8. Why is Governance Day important?

A8. Governance Day will focus on improving women’s land rights and addressing policy issues surrounding land tenure and resource governance, promoting inclusive and equitable land management.

Q9. What topics will Agri-Food Systems Day cover?

A9. Agri-Food Systems Day will explore food security, crop resilience, and sustainable farming practices, highlighting the link between healthy land and food systems.

Q10. What is the focus of Resilience Day?

A10. Resilience Day will address water scarcity, drought resilience, and early warning systems for sand and dust storms, aiming to build resilience in vulnerable regions.

Q11. What is People’s Day and who will it involve?

A11. People’s Day will feature a youth caucus, a gender caucus, and discussions on increasing participation of at-risk groups, emphasizing inclusive solutions.

Q12. What will Science, Technology, and Innovation Day emphasize?

A12. It will emphasize the role of science in land restoration and preventing further degradation, nurturing long-term solutions and addressing research and funding gaps.

Q13. How does the Green Zone aim to raise awareness?

A13. The Green Zone will host exhibitions, interactive sessions, and dialogues open to the public, raising awareness about land degradation and inspiring action among citizens and stakeholders.

Q14. What is the significance of the $7 trillion figure mentioned?

A14. The UN Environment Program reports that $7 trillion is invested annually in activities that harm nature, equivalent to 7 percent of global GDP, highlighting the need to redirect finance towards sustainable practices.

Q15. How does COP16 align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A15. COP16 aligns with Vision 2030’s environmental sustainability goals, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to combating desertification and promoting green initiatives.

Q16. Who is Dr. Osama Faqeeha?

A16. Dr. Osama Faqeeha is the Deputy Minister for Environment at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and Advisor to the UNCCD COP16 Presidency, and a key spokesperson for the conference.

Q17. What is the role of the Blue Zone at COP16?

A17. The Blue Zone is the formal negotiation area where government representatives meet to discuss and agree on official decisions and commitments under the UNCCD.

Q18. How can the public participate in COP16?

A18. The public can register to attend the Green Zone as visitors or exhibitors, engaging in critical conversations and showcasing innovations in land restoration.

Q19. What are the expected outcomes of COP16?

A19. COP16 is expected to mobilize international action, forge new partnerships, and accelerate progress towards land degradation neutrality, with concrete commitments and funding pledges.

Q20. Why is Saudi Arabia hosting COP16 significant?

A20. Saudi Arabia’s hosting of COP16 underscores its growing leadership in environmental diplomacy and its commitment to addressing global challenges, aligning with its Vision 2030 goals.

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