The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, recognized as one of the countries most affected by desertification, has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to combating this pressing environmental challenge. The nation’s efforts are showcased through numerous initiatives, such as the Saudi Green Initiative, the Green Riyadh Project, and the Middle East Green Initiative, which collectively aim to restore the balance of its fragile ecosystems.

As part of this ongoing battle, Saudi Arabia recently hosted the "Land Degradation Monitoring in Hyper-arid Areas" workshop from August 26th to 28th, 2024. This pivotal event was co-organized by the National Center for Vegetation Cover (NCVC) and the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA), with the strong support of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Saudi Arabia. The workshop took place in Crowne Plaza Hotel in Riyadh, and it brought together experts and stakeholders to address the dynamics of land productivity and the trends in soil organic carbon stocks in hyper-arid environments, a critical issue for the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia’s leadership and hosting of this workshop underscores the country’s dedication to sustainable development and environmental conservation. The NCVC, established to lead the fight against desertification, plays a vital role in implementing strategies to rehabilitate forest vegetation cover, protect endangered plant species, and to establish and effectively manage national parks. The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 aligns with these efforts, emphasizing the importance of environmental sustainability and the need for comprehensive, integrated approaches to land management.

The UNDP’s involvement in the workshop highlights its longstanding partnership with the Saudi government in addressing environmental challenges. Through many initiatives, across several sectors, UNDP continues to support the Kingdom in achieving its ambitious goals, fostering global collaboration, and enhancing local capacities to manage land degradation effectively.

Ms. Nahid Hussein, the UNDP Resident Representative for Saudi Arabia, delivered a keynote speech during the workshop, reaffirming UNDP’s commitment to working alongside the Saudi government to fight against desertification. She emphasized the importance of partnerships and international cooperation in tackling environmental challenges, underscoring the UNDP’s role in supporting Saudi Arabia’s leadership on the global stage.

Importantly, Saudi Arabia will be hosting the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Sixteenth Conference of Parties (COP 16) in Riyadh, from December 2-13, 2024.  This COP 16 will be a milestone event as this year marks the 30^th anniversary of the Convention and the first time that a UNCCD COP will be held in this region.  Parties to the Convention will deliberate on actions required for building resilience to drought, land degradation and desertification.

This workshop marks another significant step in Saudi Arabia’s journey towards environmental sustainability, demonstrating the nation’s resolve to restore and protect its lands for future generations.