UNCCD COP16 will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 2 to 13 December 2024, marking the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
Founded in 1992, the Earth Summit includes three major initiatives: the UNCCD, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
Key goals of UNCCD COP16 include:
- Accelerating global land restoration initiatives.
- Enhancing resilience against droughts and land degradation.
- Promoting coordinated global actions to achieve land degradation neutrality by 2030.
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Theme and Innovation
The focus and slogan of COP16 are “Our Land and Our Future. “For the first time, the conference employs a new dual approach to tackle the implications of degraded and deforested land for sustainable development.
The COP16 will adopt a dual approach, featuring both a Negotiation Track and an Action Agenda. These interconnected tracks aim to drive meaningful outcomes by combining negotiation-based decisions with the practical implementation of COP mandates.
According to the UN, the Negotiation Track will focus on key COP decisions and political declarations necessary for strengthening global efforts on land restoration and drought resilience. Meanwhile, the Action Agenda will highlight voluntary commitments and initiatives addressing land, resilience, and community well-being, organized around thematic days throughout COP16.
The Alarming Reality of Desertification
The adverse effects of climate change have exacerbated land use, propagating erratic rainfall and forcing farmers to move, destabilizing rural economies. This displacement also has implications within the economy, causing a loss of trillions annually within the global economy.
Key Figures from the World Migration Report 2024
- 216 million people across six continents could be displaced within their own countries by 2050, primarily due to climate change.
- Droughts have surged by 29% since the early 2000s, fueled by inconsistent rainfall and unsustainable land management.
- 3.2 billion people are currently affected by desertification globally.
- Land degradation has caused financial losses estimated at $11 trillion.
Climate and Water Scarcity: The Rural Exodus
Rainfall deficiencies and the depletion of groundwater recharge zones like ponds, lakes, and tanks are leading to a significant drop in groundwater levels, the primary source of irrigation for agriculture. This decline is pushing farmers to migrate to urban areas in search of better opportunities.
According to a 2021 World Bank report, without decisive action on climate and development, millions across North Africa may face internal displacement due to worsening climate conditions.
Expected Outcomes and Commitments
COP16 aims to highlight such catatonic natural disasters, mainly focusing on restoring 1.5 billion hectares of degraded land by 2030 by addressing declining soil health and dangerous dust storms. This can also promote sustainable economic opportunities through land restoration.
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Global Response at COP16 in Riyadh
At the upcoming COP16 in Riyadh, 197 global parties will convene to address the escalating challenges of degradation, desertification, and drought. A global emergency declaration is anticipated, along with concrete pledges for land restoration.
Goals of COP16
The conference will focus on:
- Accelerating efforts to combat land degradation by 2030 and beyond.
- Boosting resilience to droughts, dust, and sandstorms.
- Restoring soil health and promoting sustainable land rights.
- Creating jobs and unlocking economic opportunities tied to land restoration.
The Riyadh Action Agenda
The key highlight of COP16 will be the Riyadh Action Agenda, introduced through a series of:
- Announcements
- Events
- Multi-stakeholder dialogues
- Initiative launches
These efforts will be structured around thematic days to amplify global action on land conservation, restoration, and drought resilience. The agenda aims to unify the voices of non-state actors and foster multi-sector partnerships to support governments in achieving ambitious goals.
A Collective Call for Change
UNCCD Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw emphasized the urgency for countries to transition from discussions to concrete actions on land restoration. This pivotal moment represents an opportunity to scale up global responses and create a sustainable, resilient future.
The Road Ahead
The outcomes of UNCCD COP16 are expected to redefine global strategies, not just for land restoration but for enhancing resilience against climate-driven challenges. As the Riyadh Action Agenda unfolds, it promises to be a transformative platform for collaboration and ambitious progress.
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