COP16: Riyadh’s call to restore land for future generations

Land degradation is one of the most significant challenges facing our planet. According to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, 100 million hectares of fertile land — roughly the size of Egypt — are lost annually. 

This crisis not only threatens global food security but also amplifies climate change, disrupts ecosystems, and exacerbates social vulnerabilities. As many as 143 million people in the Global South could be displaced by 2050 due to climate-driven factors, making land restoration an urgent global priority

COP16: A transformative moment

COP16, hosted in Riyadh, marks a watershed moment in global efforts to combat land degradation. As the first Conference of the Parties focused on land degradation to take place in the Middle East, it underscores the region’s growing leadership in this field. Riyadh’s hosting of this event also brings unique perspectives to the table, showcasing how desert ecosystems and arid climates can inform global restoration strategies.

Significantly, this is the first COP to include a Green Zone, a public-facing platform that fosters dialogue among policymakers, private sector leaders, and civil society. This approach broadens participation and ensures that the conversation around land restoration is inclusive and forward-looking.

Saudi Arabia’s green initiatives

Saudi Arabia’s efforts to address land degradation are anchored in its Saudi Green Initiative, the Middle East Green Initiative, and the G20 Global Land Initiative. These programs aim to restore degraded landscapes, reduce carbon emissions, and promote sustainable practices.

For example, the Kingdom has pledged to sustainably grow 10 billion trees domestically and 50 billion across the region — a monumental effort to combat desertification and restore ecosystems.

These initiatives are not just about environmental stewardship; they align with Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy and create a vibrant society. Land restoration is a cornerstone of this vision, driving job creation, enhancing agricultural productivity, and boosting tourism potential.

Innovative approaches to restoration

Technological advancements are revolutionizing how we approach land restoration. Tools such as remote sensing, artificial intelligence, and drones are enabling more precise monitoring of land health. These technologies provide actionable data, allowing for targeted restoration efforts and the optimization of resources. 

For instance, drones can map degraded areas quickly, while AI can predict soil recovery patterns and inform sustainable land management practices.

Beyond technology, there is immense value in integrating modern advancements with ancestral knowledge. Indigenous practices, honed over generations, offer insights into sustainable land use that are often overlooked. By combining these approaches, we can craft holistic solutions that respect cultural heritage while maximizing impact.

Collaboration as the key to success

Effective land restoration requires robust governance frameworks. Policymakers must prioritize combating land degradation in national agendas, creating regulations that incentivize sustainable practices and penalize harmful activities. However, governance alone is not enough; collaboration across sectors is critical.

Public-private partnerships offer a powerful model for scaling restoration efforts. These collaborations bring together the resources of governments, the innovation of businesses, and the grassroots knowledge of civil society. Successful examples worldwide demonstrate that PPPs can drive restoration while delivering economic benefits to local communities.

Moreover, education and training programs are essential to equip the next generation with the skills needed for sustainable land management. Indigenous knowledge systems also provide unique perspectives on ecosystem management, while empowering youth ensures the continuity of these efforts.

Financing restoration efforts

One of the most significant barriers to addressing land degradation is the lack of adequate funding. Current financial mechanisms often fall short of meeting the scale of the challenge, and the countries most impacted by the issue are often those with the least resources to address it. To bridge this gap, in addition to international aid, innovative financing models such as green bonds and payment-for-ecosystem services must be leveraged.

Private sector investment also plays a crucial role. By aligning restoration projects with economic incentives, businesses can contribute to land recovery while driving profitability. For instance, sustainable agricultural practices not only restore soil health but also improve crop yields, creating a win-win scenario for farmers and the environment. More broadly, every dollar invested in land restoration can yield between $7 to $30 of economic benefits, according to the World Bank.

A collective responsibility

Land degradation is not just an environmental issue — it is a socioeconomic challenge that requires a collective, global response. COP16 in Riyadh presents a unique opportunity to galvanize international action, foster collaboration, and drive innovation.

This is a call to global leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders: Land is life, and its restoration is a shared responsibility. By embracing technology, fostering inclusive governance, and prioritizing community engagement, we can turn the tide on land degradation and create a sustainable future for generations to come.

Together, we can transform degraded landscapes into thriving ecosystems that support biodiversity, resilience, and prosperity. Let us act decisively at COP16 to ensure that this vision becomes a reality.

Ziad Moukarzel is a partner and head of climate and sustainability for India, the Middle East, and Africa at Oliver Wyman