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 to 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 deeply affected by desertification, land degradation, and water scarcity.
Under the theme “Our Land. Our Future,” the summit brought together world leaders, scientists, environmental advocates, and industry representatives to address the global crisis of land degradation. Key discussions focused on drought resilience, financial mobilization for land restoration, and private sector involvement in sustainable land management.
Key Issues Addressed at COP16
1. Drought Resilience and Climate Adaptation
As climate change intensifies, prolonged droughts have become more frequent and severe, threatening food and water security for millions. Delegates debated the need for a legally binding framework to enhance global drought preparedness. While consensus was not reached, the discussions highlighted the urgency of addressing this growing crisis.
2. 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 land restoration projects.
- Integrate regenerative agriculture practices.
3. 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, negotiations revealed the challenges of balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability, particularly in developing nations.
Financial Commitments and Partnerships
While COP16 did not result in a legally binding drought agreement, it secured significant financial pledges:
- Over $12 billion was committed for land restoration and drought resilience initiatives.
- The Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership pledged $12.15 billion to support 80 of the world’s most drought-prone countries.
Despite these commitments, experts estimate that reversing global land degradation will require a much larger investment—$2.6 trillion by 2030.
Outcomes and Challenges
The outcomes of COP16 reflect both progress and persistent challenges in global land governance:
- Progress: Financial pledges signal a growing recognition of the crisis and a commitment to addressing it.
- Challenges: 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.
- Sustained collaboration across sectors.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
COP16 highlighted the urgent need for global action to combat desertification, drought, and land degradation. While the financial commitments are a step in the right direction, the lack of a binding agreement underscores the need for stronger international cooperation. The future of our land and our planet depends on the decisions we make today.
