Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Saudi Arabia has launched the Riyadh Action Agenda, a significant initiative aimed at uniting stakeholders in the global 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, unveiled during a high-level dialogue on sustainable agri-food systems, will leverage the momentum of COP16 to drive tangible impact for farmers, indigenous peoples, and other affected communities. Faqeeha emphasized the need for sustained action beyond the conference, stating, "If we are to accelerate land restoration and drought resilience initiatives at the pace and scale required, then it is critical we continue to mobilize and incentivize action long after COP16 in Riyadh ends."

The launch coincided with Agri-Food System Day at COP16, a thematic day focused on sustainable agricultural practices. With agriculture being a primary driver of land degradation, accounting for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and freshwater use, the event highlighted the urgency of addressing unsustainable practices.

Faqeeha emphasized the critical role of soil health, stating, "Around 95 percent of our food comes from the soil, and yet we continue to treat it like dirt." He warned of the severe consequences of soil degradation, including declining crop yields, food insecurity, and rising food prices.

To mitigate these challenges, Faqeeha called for a shift towards sustainable agricultural practices and the reinvestment of harmful agricultural subsidies to support land restoration and reform. The UNCCD COP16 conference, themed "Our Land. Our Future.," aims to address these pressing issues and secure a sustainable future for our planet.