Third Arab Land and Climate Forum Kicks Off in Riyadh

The third edition of the Arab Land and Climate Forum commenced today in Riyadh, running until October 9, 2024, under the theme ‘The Road to COP 16: Strengthening the Resilience and Flexibility of Arab Lands.’ The forum was inaugurated by Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, President of the Arab Gulf Program for Development (AGFUND), and brings together regional stakeholders to address desertification and land degradation ahead of the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP 16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), which Riyadh will host in December 2024.

Context and Background

The Arab Land and Climate Forum aligns with escalating regional efforts by Arab civil society to combat desertification and enhance land resilience. It serves as a critical preparatory platform for COP 16, where global leaders will convene to advance the UNCCD’s mission. The forum underscores Saudi Arabia’s proactive stance in addressing environmental challenges, reflecting its commitment to sustainable development and climate action.

Desertification poses a severe threat to food security and livelihoods, with 12 million hectares of land deteriorating annually, affecting two billion people worldwide. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Africa could lose two-thirds of its arable land by 2030, and global desertification might displace 50 million people by that year. Currently, over 75% of Earth’s land is degraded, with projections indicating a rise to 90% by 2050. These stark figures highlight the urgency of coordinated action.

Key Details

In his opening address, Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal emphasized the Kingdom’s recognition of the environmental crisis and its multifaceted response. Domestically, the Saudi Green Initiative aims to convert 30% of Saudi lands into nature reserves, plant 10 billion trees, and rehabilitate 40 million hectares of land. Regionally, the Middle East Green Initiative plans to plant 40 billion trees, contributing 5% to global afforestation goals. Through the G20, Saudi Arabia launched the G20 Global Land Initiative, targeting a 50% reduction in land degradation by 2040. The Kingdom is also collaborating with 197 countries under the UNCCD.

The forum’s agenda focuses on generating strategies to enhance civil society’s role in building resilient Arab communities. Key topics include climate change adaptation, balancing economic development with environmental preservation, and fostering cooperation between governments, the private sector, and civil society. It provides a platform for regional dialogue on combating desertification and drought while promoting sustainable development.

Implications and Impact

The outcomes of this forum will inform discussions at COP 16, where Saudi Arabia will assume a leadership role in global desertification efforts. By hosting COP 16, the Kingdom reinforces its position as a key player in international environmental diplomacy. The forum’s emphasis on civil society engagement signals a holistic approach to environmental challenges, recognizing that sustainable solutions require collaboration across all sectors. This aligns with Vision 2030’s goal of a sustainable future, ensuring economic diversification and environmental stewardship.

Regionally, the forum strengthens Arab solidarity in addressing shared environmental threats. The Middle East Green Initiative, led by Saudi Arabia, exemplifies regional cooperation, with potential to significantly mitigate land degradation and enhance climate resilience. Globally, Saudi Arabia’s initiatives contribute to international targets, demonstrating its commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to life on land and climate action.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The Arab Land and Climate Forum directly supports Saudi Vision 2030 by promoting environmental sustainability and economic diversification. The Saudi Green Initiative and Middle East Green Initiative are cornerstone projects that align with Vision 2030’s objectives to improve quality of life, protect natural resources, and foster global partnerships. As Saudi Arabia prepares to host COP 16, it showcases its leadership in addressing global environmental challenges, reinforcing its role as a responsible international actor and a hub for sustainable development. This forum not only advances environmental resilience but also strengthens the Kingdom’s position as a catalyst for positive change in the Arab world and beyond.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Arab Land and Climate Forum?

A1. The Arab Land and Climate Forum is a regional event focused on combating desertification and enhancing land resilience. The third edition is held in Riyadh from October 8-9, 2024, under the theme ‘The Road to COP 16.’ It gathers stakeholders to discuss strategies for sustainable land management.

Q2. Who inaugurated the third edition of the forum?

A2. Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, President of the Arab Gulf Program for Development (AGFUND), inaugurated the forum. His opening speech highlighted the urgent need to address land degradation and outlined Saudi Arabia’s initiatives to combat desertification.

Q3. What is the theme of the third Arab Land and Climate Forum?

A3. The theme is ‘The Road to COP 16: Strengthening the Resilience and Flexibility of Arab Lands.’ It emphasizes preparations for the upcoming COP 16 conference and the importance of building resilient communities in the Arab region.

Q4. When and where will COP 16 take place?

A4. COP 16, the 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, will be hosted by Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in December 2024. It will bring together global leaders to address desertification and drought.

Q5. What are the key objectives of the forum?

A5. The forum aims to develop strategies for civil society involvement in building resilient Arab communities. It focuses on climate change adaptation, balancing economic development with environmental preservation, and fostering cooperation among governments, the private sector, and civil society.

Q6. How does desertification threaten global food security?

A6. Desertification degrades arable land, reducing crop yields and livestock productivity. With 12 million hectares lost annually, food security is jeopardized for billions. By 2030, Africa may lose two-thirds of its arable land, exacerbating hunger and poverty.

Q7. What did Prince Abdulaziz say about the scale of land degradation?

A7. He noted that over 75% of Earth’s land is degraded, potentially rising to 90% by 2050. Desertification could displace 50 million people by 2030. These figures underscore the urgent need for coordinated global action.

Q8. What is the Saudi Green Initiative?

A8. The Saudi Green Initiative is a domestic environmental program aiming to convert 30% of Saudi lands into nature reserves, plant 10 billion trees, and rehabilitate 40 million hectares of land. It reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainable development and climate action.

Q9. What is the Middle East Green Initiative?

A9. The Middle East Green Initiative is a regional effort led by Saudi Arabia to plant 40 billion trees, contributing 5% to global afforestation goals. It fosters collaboration among Middle Eastern countries to combat desertification and enhance climate resilience.

Q10. What is the G20 Global Land Initiative?

A10. Launched by Saudi Arabia during its G20 presidency, the G20 Global Land Initiative targets a 50% reduction in land degradation by 2040. It promotes sustainable land management practices and international cooperation to restore degraded ecosystems.

Q11. How is Saudi Arabia collaborating internationally on desertification?

A11. Saudi Arabia actively collaborates with 197 countries under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Through this partnership, it shares expertise, supports global initiatives, and aligns its policies with international frameworks for sustainable land management.

Q12. What role does civil society play in the forum?

A12. The forum emphasizes enhancing the role of civil society institutions in building resilient Arab communities. It provides a platform for dialogue, enabling non-governmental organizations to contribute to strategies for combating desertification and adapting to climate change.

Q13. Why is the forum important for the Arab region?

A13. The Arab region is highly vulnerable to desertification and drought. The forum facilitates regional cooperation, sharing of best practices, and joint strategies to mitigate these challenges, thereby promoting sustainable development and stability across Arab nations.

Q14. How does the forum address climate change adaptation?

A14. The forum includes discussions on climate change adaptation strategies, such as drought-resistant agriculture, water management, and land restoration. These measures aim to enhance the resilience of Arab lands and communities against climate impacts.

Q15. What economic benefits can arise from combating desertification?

A15. Combating desertification can restore productive land, boost agricultural output, create green jobs, and enhance food security. It also attracts investment in sustainable technologies, supporting economic diversification and long-term growth in the region.

Q16. How does the forum balance economic development with environmental preservation?

A16. The forum promotes sustainable development models that integrate environmental protection with economic growth. It encourages investments in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and eco-tourism, ensuring that economic progress does not come at the expense of natural resources.

Q17. What is the expected outcome of the forum?

A17. The forum aims to produce clear strategies and actionable steps to strengthen civil society’s role in combating desertification. These outcomes will feed into COP 16 discussions, shaping regional and global policies for land resilience and climate action.

Q18. How does hosting COP 16 benefit Saudi Arabia?

A18. Hosting COP 16 positions Saudi Arabia as a global leader in environmental diplomacy. It showcases the Kingdom’s initiatives, attracts international attention, and fosters partnerships that support Vision 2030’s sustainability goals and economic diversification.

Q19. What are the projected consequences of inaction on desertification?

A19. Inaction could lead to increased land degradation, food shortages, mass displacement, and heightened conflict over resources. By 2050, 90% of land could be degraded, threatening global stability and achieving sustainable development goals.

Q20. How does the forum align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A20. The forum supports Vision 2030 by advancing environmental sustainability, economic diversification, and global engagement. It highlights Saudi-led initiatives like the Saudi Green Initiative, reinforcing the Kingdom’s commitment to a sustainable future and its role as a responsible global leader.

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