COP16; Saudi Arabia to introduce Green Zone and thematic days for the first time in the events history

For the first time ever, Saudi Arabia will introduce a Green Zone and thematic days at the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). The program demonstrates the Kingdom's resolve to spearhead international initiatives to address drought, desertification, and land degradation while inspring cooperation among nations to find long-term solutions.

The Green Zone will serve as a forum to increase awareness of land degradation worldwide and promote communication between important parties, such as enterprises, NGOs, governments, scientists, and communities that are at danger.

Seven themed days will be held throughout the Green and Blue Zones, each aimed at encouraging significant action on important concerns.

In order to address global objectives, these days will center on topics like agri-food systems, sustainable finance, and land restoration.

Among the highlights are Finance Day, which will address the funding deficit for sustainable land management, and Land Day, which will promote restoration projects and nature-based solutions.

Enhancing women's land rights and tackling important policy concerns pertaining to resource governance and land tenure will be the main objectives of Governance Day.

Agri-Food Systems Day will address sustainable farming methods, crop resilience, and food security.

While People's Day will bring together youth and gender caucuses to highlight the role of young people and vulnerable groups, Resilience Day will highlight solutions for water scarcity, drought resilience, and early warning systems for sand and dust storms.

The Science, Technology, and Innovation Day will emphasize the vital role that research and innovation play in land restoration, guaranteeing synergies with biodiversity and climate goals.

The Business for Land Forum, which is part of the COP16 program, will bring together world leaders to discuss the financial necessity of sustainable land practices.