Desertification Among ‘Most Pressing Environmental Challenges of Our Time,’ Faqeeha Says

Saudi Deputy Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture Dr. Osama Faqeeha has described desertification, land degradation, and drought as “among the most pressing environmental challenges of our time,” emphasizing the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainable land management during the global observance of Desertification and Drought Day 2024. The event, hosted by the German government in Bonn, concluded on June 17 and marked the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), underscoring the urgent need for collective action under the theme “United for Land: Our Legacy. Our Future.”

Context and Background

The Desertification and Drought Day 2024 brought together leaders from government, academia, civil society, and youth changemakers to address the growing threat of land degradation. As UNCCD Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw noted, “As we gather in Bonn, Germany and around the world to mark this day, we are also celebrating a major milestone this year: 30 years since the adoption of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.” Thiaw added that the focus this year is on “sharing the wisdom of our ancestors with future generations,” highlighting that more than a billion young people under the age of 25 in developing countries depend on land and natural resources.

Land degradation affects up to 40% of the world’s land area and results in the annual loss of 100 million hectares of healthy land. Dr. Faqeeha starkly illustrated the severity of the issue, stating that we lose an area of healthy land equivalent to four football fields every second. “Healthy land is essential for our future. Let’s unite for sustainable land management,” he urged.

Key Details

Saudi Arabia has been at the forefront of global efforts to combat land degradation and drought, with initiatives such as the Saudi Green Initiative and various land restoration projects highlighted as exemplary models for sustainable development. These initiatives not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also aim to create economic opportunities and improve the quality of life for communities.

The event featured the presentation of the new cohort of UNCCD Land Heroes and the unveiling of the UNCCD Youth Engagement Strategy and the Land Youth Negotiators Program. These initiatives empower youth to transform land management practices and engage in policy-making processes, especially ahead of the upcoming UNCCD COP16 negotiations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from December 2 to 13.

Key economic benefits of land restoration were also emphasized: for every $1 invested, up to $30 in benefits can be realized. With a quarter of the world’s rural youth (187 million out of 778 million) living in areas with high agricultural and trade potential, targeted development is essential. Engaging youth in food system transformation and land restoration is expected to help create the estimated 600 million jobs needed by 2030.

Implications and Impact

The global observance underscored the urgent need for collective action in land stewardship, driving home the message that healthy land is fundamental to global prosperity and stability. Land degradation and drought jeopardize the global food supply, increase the risk of natural disasters, and drive conflict and forced migration. Saudi Arabia’s proactive stance and its hosting of COP16 position the Kingdom as a key player in shaping international policies on land restoration and drought resilience.

The event also highlighted the critical role of youth in driving innovation and sustainable land management. With the support of initiatives like the Land Youth Negotiators Program, young leaders are being equipped to contribute to policy-making and implement solutions on the ground. This aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of empowering youth and promoting sustainable development.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Saudi Arabia’s commitment to combating desertification and land degradation is deeply intertwined with Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s strategic framework for economic diversification and sustainable development. Through the Saudi Green Initiative and other environmental projects, the Kingdom is not only addressing domestic challenges but also setting a global example for land restoration. As the host of COP16, Saudi Arabia will continue to lead efforts to restore degraded land, enhance drought resilience, and create a sustainable future for all. This aligns with the Vision 2030 objective of a vibrant society and a thriving economy, ensuring that healthy land remains a legacy for generations to come.

20 Questions

Q1. What is Desertification and Drought Day?

A1. Desertification and Drought Day is an annual global observance to raise awareness about land degradation and drought, promoting sustainable land management. It is organized under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and brings together stakeholders worldwide to address these pressing environmental challenges.

Q2. Who is Dr. Osama Faqeeha?

A2. Dr. Osama Faqeeha is the Saudi Deputy Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture. He represents Saudi Arabia in international environmental forums and has been a vocal advocate for sustainable land management and combating desertification, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals.

Q3. What milestone was celebrated at the 2024 event?

A3. The 2024 event marked the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). This milestone highlighted three decades of global efforts to address land degradation and drought, underscoring the continued need for collective action.

Q4. What theme was used for Desertification and Drought Day 2024?

A4. The theme was “United for Land: Our Legacy. Our Future.” It emphasized the importance of intergenerational collaboration and the role of youth in sustainable land management, reflecting the urgent need to protect land for future generations.

Q5. How much healthy land is lost annually due to degradation?

A5. According to the UNCCD, up to 100 million hectares of healthy land are lost annually due to degradation. This loss affects global food security, biodiversity, and climate resilience, making it a critical issue for international cooperation.

Q6. What percentage of the world’s land area is affected by degradation?

A6. Land degradation affects up to 40% of the world’s land area. This widespread impact threatens ecosystems, livelihoods, and economies, particularly in vulnerable regions, and necessitates urgent restorative actions.

Q7. What did Dr. Faqeeha say about the urgency of the issue?

A7. Dr. Faqeeha stated that desertification, land degradation, and drought are among the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. He emphasized that we lose an area of healthy land equivalent to four football fields every second, urging collective action for sustainable land management.

Q8. What is the Saudi Green Initiative?

A8. The Saudi Green Initiative is a national program aimed at combating climate change, improving environmental quality, and promoting sustainable development. It includes large-scale land restoration projects, renewable energy investments, and efforts to increase green cover across the Kingdom.

Q9. How does Saudi Arabia contribute to global efforts against desertification?

A9. Saudi Arabia has been at the forefront of global efforts through initiatives like the Saudi Green Initiative, land restoration projects, and hosting UNCCD COP16. The Kingdom also shares expertise and supports international collaborations to combat land degradation and drought.

Q10. What is UNCCD COP16 and where will it be held?

A10. UNCCD COP16 is the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. It will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from December 2 to 13, 2024, and is expected to be a pivotal moment for land restoration negotiations.

Q11. What are the economic benefits of land restoration?

A11. For every $1 invested in land restoration, up to $30 in benefits can be realized. These benefits include improved agricultural productivity, enhanced food security, job creation, and reduced conflict over resources, making restoration a highly cost-effective strategy.

Q12. How many rural youth live in areas with high agricultural potential?

A12. A quarter of the world’s rural youth—187 million out of 778 million—live in areas with high agricultural and trade potential. Engaging these youth in land restoration and food system transformation is crucial for sustainable development.

Q13. How many jobs are needed by 2030?

A13. It is estimated that 600 million jobs will be needed by 2030. Investing in land restoration and sustainable agriculture can help create these jobs, particularly for youth in rural areas, fostering economic growth and stability.

Q14. What role does youth play in land restoration?

A14. Youth are key drivers of innovation and sustainable land management. Initiatives like the UNCCD Youth Engagement Strategy and the Land Youth Negotiators Program empower young people to engage in policy-making and implement restoration practices, ensuring a legacy of healthy land.

Q15. What is the UNCCD Youth Engagement Strategy?

A15. The UNCCD Youth Engagement Strategy is a framework to involve young people in combating desertification and land degradation. It aims to build capacity, facilitate participation in decision-making, and support youth-led initiatives for sustainable land management.

Q16. Who are the UNCCD Land Heroes?

A16. UNCCD Land Heroes are individuals or groups recognized for their outstanding contributions to sustainable land management. They serve as ambassadors to inspire others and showcase successful restoration efforts, highlighting the impact of collective action.

Q17. How does land degradation affect global stability?

A17. Land degradation jeopardizes food supplies, increases natural disaster risks, and drives conflict and forced migration. By restoring land, we can enhance stability, reduce poverty, and build resilience against environmental shocks, contributing to global peace and security.

Q18. What was the significance of the Bonn event?

A18. The Bonn event marked the 30th anniversary of the UNCCD and served as a platform to share knowledge, showcase innovations, and mobilize action ahead of COP16. It reinforced the urgency of addressing land degradation and drought through international cooperation.

Q19. How does Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 relate to environmental sustainability?

A19. Vision 2030 includes environmental sustainability as a core pillar, with initiatives like the Saudi Green Initiative aiming to restore land, reduce emissions, and diversify the economy. These efforts align with global goals to combat desertification and promote a green future.

Q20. What can individuals do to combat desertification?

A20. Individuals can support sustainable land management by reducing waste, planting trees, conserving water, and raising awareness. Participating in community restoration projects and advocating for policies that

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