CEO of the Center: Land degradation is a global challenge that requires a collective response

The CEO of the National Center of Meteorology and Advisor to the Presidency of the (COP16) Conference in Riyadh, Dr. Ayman bin Salem Ghulam, stressed that land degradation is a global challenge that requires a collective response and international cooperation to address its effects on ecosystems and sustainable development.

During his participation in the preparatory event for the sixteenth session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (COP16), which was held in cooperation with the United Nations Office in Brussels, Dr. Ghulam explained that land resources are an essential element in achieving food security, preserving biodiversity, and mitigating the effects of climate change, pointing out that human activities such as deforestation and unsustainable agriculture contribute significantly to the problem of land degradation. It leads to the loss of fertile soil and increases climatic disasters such as droughts and floods.

Dr. Ghulam stressed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, places environmental protection and the sustainability of natural resources among its priorities, pointing out that the Kingdom's Vision 2030 focuses on launching global initiatives aimed at combating desertification and protecting the earth, in order to ensure the sustainability of natural resources for future generations.

Dr. Ghulam called on all countries and stakeholders to participate in the 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, which will be hosted by the Kingdom in Riyadh in December 2024, noting that the conference is an international platform to develop innovative solutions for sustainable land management, enhance resilience in the face of climate change, exchange experiences and best practices, and build strategic partnerships that contribute to land protection and rehabilitation.

Dr. Ghulam also noted the need for regional and international cooperation to reduce land degradation and rehabilitate it.

The preparatory event held today in Brussels comes as part of international efforts to enhance cooperation in addressing the challenges of land degradation and highlight the importance of sustainable land management to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.