Qatar Lays Out Vision to Rehabilitate Lands, Combat Desertification Before COP16 Conference
HE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Abdulaziz bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud, emphasized that the desertification phenomenon remained a direct threat to natural resources, food security and life sustainability on Earth, calling for unifying the efforts of governments and international organizations to advance innovative and enduring solutions that focus on environmental equilibrium.
This was stated during the speech delivered by His Excellency the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change on Tuesday, December 3, at the plenary session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (COP 16). The conference is being held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and will continue for two weeks, from December 2 to 13, 2024.
His Excellency laid out the State of Qatar’s vision of rehabilitating lands and combating desertification, by increasing afforestation efforts, using of local plants to improve soil fertility, in addition to reducing erosion, and applying sustainable Agri-tech that enhances the efficiency of water resource use and increases productivity, highlighting the crucial role of environmental policies in regulating land use and encouraging communities to participate in desertification combat efforts.
The State of Qatar has been committed to implementing the UNCCD through adopting a national strategic plan that aims to navigate desertification challenges and reinforce environmental sustainability, in addition to launching the third National Development Strategy 2024-2030, representing the final stage of achieving the Qatar National Vision 2030, His Excellency pointed out, stating that the strategy included integrated programs and initiatives to combat desertification and conserve the natural resources.
He emphasized that currently the State of Qatar embarks on updating the National Strategy to Combat Desertification that comprises integrated policies based on best global practices, in addition to adopting enduring mechanisms to conserve natural resources, improving land management and enhancing the community’s resilience to the challenges posed by desertification and drought.
His Excellency highlighted the State of Qatar’s adoption of Rio Conventions as a reference framework for its national efforts, aiming to protect its ecosystems, promote sustainable management of its lands, develop a green economy, and conserve natural resources for future generations.
He stressed the importance of cooperation to bolster the capabilities of states and communities to restore degenerated lands and pursue an international overarching approach to sustainably address the issue of drought, highlighting that this conference is an unprecedented opportunity to reinforce regional and international cooperation and find comprehensive and innovative solutions. He also emphasized Qatar’s support for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 15, which is focused on protecting life on land.
