Entrance of the Green Zone Hall at the UNCCD COP16 in RIyadh. Photo by Aris Sanjaya / CIFOR-ICRAF

In December 2024, global leaders, scientists, policymakers and stakeholders gathered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). With more than 20,000 participants from nearly 200 countries, the conference provided a critical platform to address the escalating challenges of desertification, land degradation and drought and develop actionable strategies for a more sustainable future. 

“The UNCCD call to address desertification, land degradation and drought is no longer a whisper—it is being recognized at the highest levels of global decision-making, signalling a global recognition of its transformative power,” stated Ibrahim Thiaw, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the UNCCD.

Showcasing groundbreaking research

During the two-week landmark event, the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF) participated in over fifty side events and dialogues, contributing its expertise in sustainable land management, restoration, governance and climate resilience. Through evidence-based research and collaborative approaches, CIFOR-ICRAF highlighted groundbreaking research while amplifying voices from the ground, sharing compelling stories and experiences from communities on the frontlines of land degradation challenges to ensure their perspectives were integrated into global decision-making processes.

“Trees and vegetation are powerful tools in reversing desertification, stabilizing land and creating conditions that support agriculture and biodiversity,” said CIFOR-ICRAF CEO Éliane Ubalijoro.

Leigh Winowiecki speaking at the Land Restoration Moonshot session. Photo by Aris Sanjaya / CIFOR-ICRAF

Among the diverse events, discussions on advancements in soil health and land restoration monitoring were prominent. CIFOR-ICRAF’s global research leader in soil and land health, Leigh Ann Winowiecki, led multiple sessions on innovations in soil health monitoring, including rangeland restoration,  highlighting robust field survey design to cutting-edge laboratory techniques, including soil spectroscopy, as well as advancements in remote sensing for tracking the impact of land restoration interventions. Another session, led by soil health scientist Ermias Betemariam, focused on breaking barriers in finance, science and partnerships for rangeland restoration. Anne Larson, team leader for governance, equity and well-being at CIFOR-ICRAF, also spearheaded a discussion on gender and inclusion at COP 16 with a session on women, youth and land tenure for land restoration and resilience.

“We can’t make decisions for the future of humanity and the planet without half of the population”, Larson said. “The COP16 session, organized with LANDESA and GIZ, focused on how to address the underlying barriers to women’s rights through gender transformative approaches, including small group exercises to think about the differences between reaching, benefiting, empowering and transformative change”.

The organization also announced two Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) during the conference. The first, signed with the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC), aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and supports the Kingdom’s initiatives, including the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative. These programs aim to combat desertification, enhance biodiversity and promote sustainable agriculture. 

“This important collaboration unites our efforts to share best practices in sustainable land management, delivering win-win solutions that nurture both people and nature,” said Djoudi Houria, CIFOR-ICRAF’s senior scientist and Middle East coordinator, “to amplify uptake and impact in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa region, and across global drylands”. 

The second MoU, signed with Fairtrade, marks a commitment to leveraging combined expertise to protect the Earth’s resources and build resilient environments.

UNCCD COP 16 key outcomes

A total of seven key turning-point outcomes were realized at the close of the conference:

Financial commitments and pledges: COP16 in Riyadh secured over $12 billion in funding pledges from major international organizations. The Riyadh Action Agenda revolves around land restoration, drought resilience, and agri-food systems. With people at the center, the Riyadh Action Agenda held multi-stakeholder consultations throughout COP16 to identify a pathway for implementation. This led to the launch of the groundbreaking Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership. This partnership will leverage public and private finance to support eighty of the most vulnerable and drought-affected countries worldwide. The partnership has already mobilized over $2.15 billion in funding for drought resilience and will operate alongside the UNCCD, member countries, international organizations and other stakeholders.

“The Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership will work to deliver a transformative shift in how drought is tackled around the world,” said Dr Osama Faqeeha, deputy minister for Environment, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and advisor to the UNCCD COP16 Presidency. “This marks a landmark moment for combatting international drought, and we are calling on countries, companies, organizations, scientists, NGOs, financial institutions and communities to join this pivotal partnership.”

Recognition of Indigenous Peoples: A historic outcome of COP16 was the creation of the Caucuses for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities, ensuring that those most connected to the land have a voice in decision-making.​ These caucuses reinforce their rights and enable meaningful participation in shaping climate and land policies.

Private sector engagement: Through the Business4Land Initiative, the UNCCD Secretariat and the Global Mechanism were requested to mobilize more private sector engagement. This decision emphasizes the critical role of corporate advocacy, environmental, social and governance strategies and sustainable finance in addressing desertification, land degradation and drought challenges. The Business4Land Forum brought together more than 400 private sector participants – the largest-ever number at UNCCD COPR – from industries such as finance, fashion, agri-food and pharmaceuticals.

Strengthening science on land and drought: The conference reaffirmed the role of science as the foundation for policies, with continued support for the UNCCD’s Science-Policy Interface (SPI). Established at COP11 in 2013, the SPI translates scientific findings into policy recommendations for decision-makers. At COP16, for instance, the SPI presented definitive evidence showing that three-quarters of the Earth’s ice-free surface has become permanently drier in the past 30 years, with projections indicating that five billion people will live in drylands by 2100, expressing the urgency to take action.

Advancing science on land and drought: The conference emphasized the critical role of science in shaping effective policies, reaffirming ongoing support for the UNCCD’s Science-Policy Interface (SPI). The SPI serves as a bridge between scientific research and policymaking, translating key findings into actionable recommendations.

At COP16, the SPI presented compelling evidence that three-quarters of the Earth’s ice-free land has dried-up over the past three decades. Projections further indicate that by 2100, up to five billion people could be living in drylands, highlighting the urgent need for decisive action.

Ermias Betemariam speaking at the Tackling Water Scarcity and Drought: Sustainable Solutions for Food Systems and Ecosystem Health in a Climate-Constrained World session. Photo by Aris Sanjaya / CIFOR-ICRAF

“I am glad that strengthening the SPI is one of the seven key outcomes of UNCCD COP16. As a member of the Riyadh Action Agenda advisory group, CIFOR-ICRAF brings its cutting-edge science to drive transformative action on land restoration and drought resilience,” said Betemariam. “This includes promoting the sustainable management, restoration and conservation of rangelands, which was the second key outcome of COP16”.

Women and drought: Countries reaffirmed their commitment to addressing all forms of discrimination against women and girls in the design and implementation of policies and programmes related to land degradation and drought.

Rangelands and pastoralists: For the first time, UNCCD Parties formally recognized the sustainable management, restoration and conservation of rangelands. These ecosystems cover half of the Earth’s terrestrial surface and are the dominant land use in the world’s drylands, yet they have long been overlooked and are disappearing faster than rainforests. The degradation of rangelands threatens one-sixth of global food supplies, potentially depleting one-third of the Earth’s carbon reserves. Approximately two billion people who live in pastoral areas are among the world’s most vulnerable to desertification, land degradation and drought.

From Riyadh to Mongolia: Building momentum beyond COP16

In his closing remarks, COP16 President, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Alfadley, stated that the conference marked a turning point in raising international awareness of the pressing need to accelerate land restoration and drought resilience.

“We hope the outcomes of this session will lead to a significant shift that strengthens efforts to preserve land, reduce its degradation, build capacities to address drought and contribute to the wellbeing of communities worldwide,” emphasized Alfadley.

As the achievements and outcomes of COP16 continue to be implemented, focus now shifts towards COP17, set to be held in Mongolia in 2026. This event will promote the sustainable management, restoration and conservation of rangelands. Significantly, 2026 has also been designated the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists.