UN COP16 Tackles Desertification and Land Degradation in Riyadh

The conference brings global leaders together to address escalating droughts, soil loss, and food insecurity, with ambitious goals for land restoration by 2030.

The UN Convention to Combat Desertification (COP16) is being held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from December 2 to 13, marking the first time the event is hosted in the Middle East and North Africa region.
Delegates from 196 countries aim to restore 1.5 billion hectares of degraded land by 2030, up from a previous target of 1 billion hectares set in 2022.
UN officials warn that 40% of the world's land is already degraded, impacting food security, migration, and global stability, with up to 75% of the population expected to face drought risks by 2050.
Saudi Arabia, a country heavily affected by desertification, has pledged to restore 40 million hectares of land, citing its vulnerability as a desert nation with limited rainfall.
Experts emphasize the importance of nature-based solutions, such as reforestation and sustainable land management, to combat the environmental and economic impacts of land degradation.