Riyadh: Saudi Arabia has introduced the Riyadh Action Agenda, a comprehensive initiative designed to unite global stakeholders in the fight against land degradation, desertification, and drought. The announcement was made by Osama Faqeeha, Deputy Minister for Environment at the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, and advisor to the UNCCD COP16 presidency.

The agenda seeks to capitalize on the momentum generated by COP16 and extend its impact beyond the conference's conclusion. By engaging a diverse range of stakeholders, including farmers, indigenous peoples, and other affected groups, the initiative aims to drive tangible progress towards sustainable land management.

"If we are to accelerate land restoration and drought resilience efforts at the necessary pace and scale, it is imperative that we continue to mobilize and incentivize action," Faqeeha emphasized. "By doing so, we can reaffirm Saudi Arabia's leadership in land restoration and leave a lasting legacy of global change."

The launch of the Riyadh Action Agenda coincided with Agri-Food System Day, one of several thematic days at COP16. Agriculture, a significant contributor to land degradation, accounts for a substantial portion of global greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and freshwater consumption.

The day's discussions focused on sustainable agricultural practices, including soil health, resilient crops, and private sector involvement in transforming food systems. The event also aligned with World Soil Day, which underscores the importance of sustainable soil management.

"Despite the fact that 95% of our food originates from the soil, we continue to treat it with neglect," Faqeeha cautioned. "Unsustainable practices are leading to significant soil loss annually, exacerbating global food and water security challenges and affecting farmers and consumers alike."

The UNCCD estimates that by 2050, global crop yields could decline by 10%, with some regions facing a more severe 50% drop. This, coupled with rising population demands, could lead to a 30% increase in food prices.

"We don't need to reinvent the wheel to implement urgent solutions," Faqeeha added. "By redirecting harmful agricultural subsidies, we can immediately support land restoration and promote sustainable practices."

The UNCCD COP16 conference, themed "Our Land. Our Future.," is being held from December 2nd to 13th, 2024, at Boulevard Riyadh World. This event marks the 30th anniversary of the UNCCD and aims to address critical issues such as drought resilience and land tenure.