The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, served as a critical platform for global leaders to confront the escalating threats of drought and land degradation. With 40% of the earth’s land already degraded, impacting half the global population and GDP, the summit underscored the urgency of international cooperation. The two-week event brought together politicians, scientists, and local representatives, particularly from the Middle East, to strategize on land restoration, food security, climate change mitigation, and biodiversity protection, all interconnected facets of a healthy and sustainable planet. The conference marked a significant step forward in acknowledging the devastating impact of land degradation and drought on both human populations and global economies, setting the stage for a more concerted global effort.
A key outcome of COP16 was the commitment of over $12 billion to support drought mitigation and land restoration efforts in 80 of the world’s most affected countries. This financial backing, hailed as “pivotal” by UNCCD Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw, signifies a shift towards prioritizing sustainable land and water management. These funds will be instrumental in implementing programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing drought resilience and restoring degraded lands, crucial for ensuring food security and protecting vulnerable ecosystems. The financial commitments represent not just a monetary investment, but a symbolic investment in the future of sustainable land management and a recognition of the interconnectedness between environmental health and economic stability.
Further amplifying the economic implications of land degradation and drought, COP16 witnessed the launch of the Economics of Drought report. This collaborative report, produced by UNU-INWEH, UNCCD, ELD, and other partners, paints a stark picture of the future, projecting that by 2050, three out of four people could be exposed to drought, with associated annual costs exceeding $300 billion. The report highlights the alarming consequences of human-induced environmental damage and advocates for nature-based solutions as a cost-effective and beneficial approach to mitigating drought risks and improving the livelihoods of local communities. It emphasizes the urgent need for proactive measures to address the root causes of drought and prevent the escalation of this global crisis.
The report’s emphasis on nature-based solutions resonates with successful initiatives already underway in countries like Chile, India, and Australia. Chile, for instance, has seen positive results from its integrated water management strategies, blending traditional practices with modern innovations to balance water use, promote conservation, and safeguard ecosystem health. Similarly, Australia has demonstrated the effectiveness of slowing water flow, storing it within the landscape, and restoring natural water cycles, leading to enhanced resilience to drought and improved soil health. These real-world examples underscore the practical viability and efficacy of nature-based solutions in combating land degradation and drought.
The economic benefits of nature-based solutions are compelling, offering significant returns on investment while reducing drought-related costs. The Economics of Drought report estimates that every $1 invested in nature can generate up to $27 in returns, while simultaneously reducing drought-related costs by up to 30%. This cost-effectiveness, coupled with the positive impact on livelihoods, income generation, and both climate change mitigation and adaptation, makes investing in nature a “no regret” option, as highlighted by Richard Thomas, a senior fellow at UNU-INWEH. These figures strengthen the argument for prioritizing nature-based solutions as a financially sound and environmentally responsible approach to drought management.
Another significant aspect of COP16 was its focus on inclusivity, particularly the representation and empowerment of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities. The establishment of caucuses for these groups, announced by Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Osama Faqeeha, aims to amplify the voices of those most directly affected by land degradation. This inclusive approach recognizes the invaluable traditional knowledge and practices held by these communities, ensuring their integration into ongoing land restoration and drought resilience initiatives. The creation of these caucuses marked a significant step towards ensuring that future strategies are informed by the lived experiences and expertise of those most impacted by land degradation.
COP16 concluded with a sense of optimism and renewed commitment to addressing the global challenges of land degradation and drought. The summit fostered international cooperation, secured significant financial pledges, highlighted the effectiveness of nature-based solutions, and prioritized the inclusion of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities. Looking ahead, COP17, scheduled to be held in Mongolia in 2026, will focus on finalizing a drought response framework and expanding global efforts to combat land degradation. The Riyadh summit served as a crucial stepping stone towards a more sustainable and resilient future, laying the groundwork for more impactful actions in the years to come. The momentum generated in Riyadh promises to propel the international community towards a more coordinated and effective response to these critical environmental challenges.
