Abu dhabi: GCC countries are ramping up their initiatives to combat desertification and restore rangelands to bolster food security and environmental sustainability, according to GCC-Stat. The Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf has affirmed the region's commitment to international environmental agreements and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
According to Emirates News Agency, the announcement aligns with the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought. This global observance highlights the critical need to invest in restoring degraded rangelands and adopt sustainable land management practices, which are essential for food security, ecosystem resilience, and a sustainable future in the GCC region.
GCC-Stat reported that all GCC member nations ratified the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) between 1996 and 1999, showcasing their early dedication to tackling land degradation and drought issues while promoting sustainable natural resource management.
The Centre also pointed out that 14 civil society organizations within the GCC are accredited to the UNCCD. These organizations play a significant role in complementing governmental efforts through supporting environmental initiatives, raising public awareness, and contributing to the sustainable management of natural resources.
Furthermore, GCC-Stat emphasized the strategic importance of rangelands as crucial natural resources supporting food security and biodiversity conservation. GCC nations have put in place national frameworks and regulations to manage rangelands sustainably, including strategies to prevent overgrazing, regulate grazing seasons, and improve land management practices to ensure their long-term viability for future generations.
In terms of international cooperation, Saudi Arabia is spearheading the 'Silk Road Campaign'. This initiative aims to connect the outcomes of the sixteenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the UNCCD, hosted by Saudi Arabia in Riyadh in 2024, with the seventeenth session (COP17), set to occur in Mongolia in August 2026. The campaign seeks to advance global efforts in land restoration and enhance resilience to drought and climate change.
The Centre reiterated that the observance of the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is a vital opportunity to underscore the necessity for increased investment in rangeland restoration and sustainable land management practices. These efforts are crucial for fortifying food security, enhancing ecosystem resilience, and supporting a more sustainable future for GCC nations.
