The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) has officially begun in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This is the largest-ever UN meeting on desertification, bringing together leaders, experts, and stakeholders from around the world to discuss and address the global challenges of land degradation, desertification, and drought. The conference will focus on finding solutions to protect and restore the world's land resources, with the goal of advancing the fight against desertification and promoting sustainable land management practices.
COP16 is expected to highlight the critical role that land plays in combating climate change, ensuring food security, and promoting sustainable development. Participants will discuss actions to prevent further land degradation, restore ecosystems, and create policies that integrate land management with broader climate and environmental strategies. The conference will also underscore the importance of international cooperation and mobilizing financial resources to support land restoration efforts globally.
This conference marks a significant milestone in global efforts to address desertification, a pressing issue that impacts millions of people, especially in arid and semi-arid regions.