The Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Eng. Abdulrahman Al-Fadley, who also serves as President of the 16th session of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP16), has underscored the need for international cooperation in rehabilitating degraded lands. According to the sources of Leaders of Asia, speaking at the “Business for Land Forum” panel discussion, Al-Fadley highlighted the significance of the conference as a pivotal step toward combating land degradation, mitigating drought, and advancing sustainable development.
During his address, Al-Fadley showcased Saudi Arabia’s achievements in tackling challenges related to drought, food security, and water resource management. Over recent decades, the Kingdom has implemented advanced strategies such as modern irrigation systems, cutting-edge agricultural techniques, and sustainable water management practices. These efforts have revitalized barren lands, turning them into fertile farms, improving livelihoods, and fostering economic opportunities.
According to the sources of Leaders of Asia, as COP16 president, Al-Fadley emphasized Saudi Arabia’s commitment to strengthening global initiatives to sustainably manage land. Key objectives include rehabilitating 1.5 billion hectares of degraded land by 2030, aligning the Rio Conventions’ goals, and fostering public-private partnerships.
He also highlighted the crucial role of the private sector in driving research, innovation, and investment to bridge the $1 billion daily financial gap required to achieve land degradation neutrality. The Business for Land Forum, he noted, exemplifies the commitment to collaboration between convention parties and private-sector stakeholders, integrating institutional strategies with sustainable development goals.
Al-Fadley concluded with a call for collective action to ensure sustainable land management and rehabilitation. He stressed that global environmental challenges can only be addressed through teamwork, ensuring the well-being of both current and future generations.
