The 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 2nd-13th December 2024. Marking three decades since the establishment of the UNCCD, this was the first time the conference was hosted in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)—a region where desertification, land degradation, and water scarcity are deeply embedded challenges.
With the theme “Our Land. Our Future,” the summit brought together world leaders, scientists, environmental advocates, and industry representatives to address the worsening global crisis of land degradation. Discussions focused on strengthening policies for drought resilience, mobilizing financial resources for land restoration, and increasing private sector involvement in sustainable land management.
Key Issues Addressed
Drought Resilience and Climate Adaptation
As climate change intensifies, prolonged droughts have become more frequent and severe, putting millions of people at risk of food and water insecurity. Delegates debated the need for a legally binding framework to enhance global drought preparedness, though consensus remained elusive.
Private Sector Engagement in Land Restoration
Recognizing that public funding alone is insufficient, COP16 emphasized the critical role of businesses and investors in scaling up land restoration efforts. Companies were urged to adopt sustainable supply chains, finance restoration projects, and integrate regenerative agriculture practices.
International Cooperation and Policy Frameworks
Governments were encouraged to align national policies with global land restoration goals, strengthen enforcement mechanisms, and create incentives for sustainable land use. However, the negotiations underscored the difficulty of balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability, particularly in developing nations.
While the conference did not result in a legally binding drought agreement, it did secure significant financial commitments. Over $12 billion was pledged for land restoration and drought resilience initiatives, aiming to restore degraded landscapes and improve water resource management.
Additionally, the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership committed $12.15 billion to support 80 of the world’s most drought-prone countries, reinforcing global efforts to mitigate the impact of prolonged dry spells. However, experts estimate that reversing global land degradation will require a much larger investment—$2.6 trillion by 2030.
The outcomes of COP16 reflect both progress and persistent challenges in global land governance. While financial pledges signal a growing recognition of the crisis, the absence of a binding drought framework leaves a critical gap in international policy. As desertification accelerates and land productivity declines, the world cannot afford half-measures. The success of these initiatives will depend on long-term commitment, transparent implementation, and sustained collaboration across sectors.
