As the 16th session of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (COP16) nears its conclusion in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the atmosphere is charged with urgency. Delegates are racing to finalize agreements that could redefine humanity’s approach to one of its most pressing environmental challenges: desertification and land degradation. With the conference wrapping up on December 13, the stakes have never been higher.
A sobering new report reveals that over 75% of the Earth’s land has become permanently drier in recent decades. Incredibly, drylands have expanded by 4.3 million square kilometers, nearly one-third larger than India. This data highlights a global transformation of fundamental ecological systems, with devastating long-term implications.
COP16, marking the 30th anniversary of the UNCCD, has seen several groundbreaking initiatives. The newly launched Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership has already secured $2.15 billion in commitments, signaling a pivotal shift from reactive crisis management to proactive, long-term resilience building. Key contributors include the Islamic Development Bank and the OPEC Fund for International Development, alongside a commitment of $150 million from Saudi Arabia.
India has emerged as a key player at COP16. Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav delivered a powerful address at the Ministerial Dialogue on Migration, linking land degradation to forced displacement. India’s “whole of ecosystem” strategy integrates traditional knowledge with cutting-edge technology, focusing on restoring 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030. Notable programs include the Amrit Sarovars initiative for water body rejuvenation and the distribution of Soil Health Cards to farmers, all backed by AI, satellite technology, and GIS tools for soil and water management.
A key development at the conference was the release of the World Drought Atlas, created with the European Commission Joint Research Centre. This resource offers 21 case studies and practical solutions for managing droughts. Additionally, the prototype for the International Drought Resilience Observatory was introduced, which will launch in 2026. This AI-powered platform will provide real-time data to help countries prepare for drought conditions.
The financial costs of droughts are staggering. A report titled “Economics of Drought” revealed that droughts currently cost the global economy $307 billion annually, a figure that could rise significantly by 2050, when three-quarters of the world’s population will be affected. The good news, however, is that every dollar invested in nature-based solutions could generate up to $27 in benefits.
Experts at COP16 have also expressed concern over the state of Earth’s ecosystems. The publication Stepping Back from the Precipice notes that six out of nine critical ecological thresholds have been breached, emphasizing the urgency of action. To restore over one billion hectares of land, experts estimate that $2.6 trillion will be needed by 2030. Africa alone requires $191 billion annually to restore 600 million hectares.
A key focus of COP16 is the negotiation of a global drought resilience regime, a framework that could set binding commitments for international cooperation on drought resilience. This would mark a significant step in addressing future environmental challenges.
As COP16 wraps up, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed’s statement serves as a reminder of the stakes: “By 2050, three in four people will be affected by drought worldwide. But you are in Riyadh to turn the tide.” The outcome of this conference has the potential to shape global efforts to preserve land and secure a sustainable future.
