Saudi Arabia to create first Green Zone as host of UN desertification forum

Saudi Arabia is set to host a landmark United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Conference of the Parties (COP16), introducing a pioneering Green Zone and thematic days to galvanise global action against land degradation. This is reported by Arab News.

As the COP16 Presidency, Saudi Arabia is establishing a dedicated Green Zone to serve as a focal point for raising awareness and facilitating collaboration. This innovative space will bring together key decision-makers from scientific, governmental, non-governmental, business, and community sectors affected by land degradation, fostering partnerships to develop and fund lasting solutions.

The Green Zone will host seven thematic days dedicated to tackling critical aspects of land degradation and desertification. These will range from practical land restoration techniques and nature-based solutions to high-level discussions on the economic incentives.

This initiative aligns with the Saudi Green Initiative, aiming to transform 30 per cent of the Kingdom's land into nature reserves, plant 10 billion trees, and restore 40 million hectares of degraded land.

In addition to the Green Zone, a Blue Zone will host parallel events, further enhancing dialogue and action among stakeholders. This dual approach promises a comprehensive and impactful conference addressing the urgent global challenge of desertification. The event is expected to attract significant international media attention and high-level participation from governments and organisations worldwide.

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