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干燥:重新定义地球生命的“生存危机”到2100年,50亿人可能受到影响 沙特阿拉伯,利雅得 – 联合国科学家今天在一份严峻的新分析报告中警告说,尽管与水有关的重大灾害,如洪水和风暴在世界某些地区愈演愈烈,但近几十年来,地球上超过四分之三的土地永久性变干。根据《联合国防治荒漠化公约(UNCCD)》的里程碑式报告,与此前30年相比,在2020年之前的30年里,约77.6%的地球土地遭遇了更干燥的条件。在同一时期,旱地扩大了约430万平方公里(面积比世界第七大国家印度还大近三分之一),现在覆盖了地球上所有陆地(不包括南极洲)的40.6%。近几十年来,全球约7.6%的土地(面积比加拿大还大)跨越了干燥阈值(即从非旱地变为旱地,或从干燥程度较低的旱地变为干燥程度较高的旱地)。这些地区中的大多数已经从湿润地貌转变为旱地,对农业、生态系统和生活在那里的人们产生了严重的影响。 该研究警告称,如果世界不能遏制温室气体排放,到本世纪末,世界还将有3%的湿润地区变成旱地。 在温室气体高排放情景下,预计美国中西部、墨西哥中部、委内瑞拉北部、巴西东北部、阿根廷东南部、整个地中海地区、黑海沿岸、非洲南部大部分地区和澳大利亚南部的旱地将扩大。这份题为《土地干旱的全球威胁:区域和全球干燥趋势与未来预测》的报告发布于在沙特阿拉伯利雅得举行的《联合国防治荒漠化公约》近200个缔约方第16次缔约方大会(COP16),本次会议是迄今为止规模最大的联合国土地会议,也是首次在受干旱影响严重的中东地区举行的《联合国防治荒漠化公约》缔约方会议。“该分析最终消除了长期以来围绕全球干旱趋势的不确定性。”《联合国防治荒漠化公约》执行秘书易卜拉欣·蒂奥说,“这是干燥危机第一次被科学清晰地记录下来,揭示了影响全球数十亿人的生存威胁。” “与干旱(短暂的低降雨期)不同,干燥代表着一种永久的无情转变。”他补充说,“干旱会结束。然而,当一个地区的气候变得更干燥时,恢复到先前条件的能力就丧失了。现在影响全球大片土地的干燥气候不会恢复到以前的样子,这种变化正在重新定义地球上的生命。”联合国评估土地退化和干旱科学的机构《联合国防治荒漠化公约》科学政策界面(SPI)的这份报告指出,人类造成的气候变化是这种转变的主要驱动因素。来自发电、运输、工业和土地利用的温室气体排放变化使地球变暖,其他人类活动使地球变暖并影响降雨、蒸发和植物生命,创造了加剧干燥的条件。全球干燥指数(AI)数据跟踪这些条件,揭示几十年来的广泛变化。 干旱化热点受干旱趋势影响特别严重的地区包括几乎整个欧洲(其土地的95.9%)、美国西部部分地区、巴西、亚洲部分地区(尤其是东亚)和非洲中部。● 美国西部部分地区和巴西:明显的干旱趋势,缺水和野火成为长期危害。● 地中海和南欧:这些地区曾经被认为是农业的粮仓,但随着半干旱条件的扩大,这些地区将面临严峻的未来。● 非洲中部和亚洲部分地区:生物多样性丰富的地区正在经历生态系统退化和荒漠化,危及无数物种。相比之下,地球上不到四分之一的土地(22.4%)经历了湿润条件,美国中部地区、安哥拉大西洋沿岸和东南亚部分地区的湿度有所增加。然而,总体趋势是明确的:旱地正在扩大,推动生态系统和社会遭受干燥带来的危及生命的影响。该报告指出,南苏丹和坦桑尼亚是土地向旱地转化比例最大的国家,中国是从非旱地向旱地转变总面积最大的国家。对于生活在不断扩大的旱地上的23亿人(远超世界人口的25%)来说,这种新常态需要持久的、适应性的解决方案。与干燥有关的土地退化,即沙漠化,对人类福祉和生态稳定构成严重威胁。 该报告对最坏情况的预测表明,随着地球持续变暖,到本世纪末,多达50亿人将生活在旱地,他们将面临土壤贫脊、水资源减少、曾经繁荣的生态系统减少或崩溃的问题。被迫迁徙是干燥最明显的后果之一。随着土地变得不适合居住,面临水资源短缺和农业崩溃的家庭和整个社区往往别无选择,只能放弃家园,从而导致全球范围内的社会和政治挑战。从中东到非洲和南亚,数以百万计的人已经在迁徙,这一趋势将在未来几十年加剧。干燥的破坏性影响报告称,干燥加剧的影响是层叠的、多方面的,几乎触及生活和社会的方方面面。报告警告说,到本世纪末,全球五分之一的土地可能因干燥加剧而经历突然的生态系统转变,造成巨大的变化(如森林变成草原和其他变化),并导致世界上众多动物、植物和其他生命的灭绝。• 干燥被认为是世界上农业系统退化的最大单一驱动因素,影响着地球上40%的可耕地• 1990年至2015年间,干燥加剧导致非洲国家的国内生产总值(GDP)降了12%•如果温室气体排放继续小幅上升,预计到本世纪末,地球上超过三分之二的土地(不包括格陵兰岛和南极洲)的储水量将减少• 干燥被认为是世界上土地退化的五个最重要原因之一(另外几个是土地侵蚀、盐碱化、有机碳损失和植被退化)。• 中东地区干燥加剧与该地区更频繁、规模更大的沙尘暴有关• 在气候变化的未来,预计日益严重的干燥将在规模更大、强度更大的野火中发挥作用,尤其是因为它对半干旱森林中树木死亡的影响以及由此产生的可用于燃烧的干燥生物质的增加• 干燥加剧对贫穷、缺水、土地退化和粮食生产不足的影响与全球特别是儿童和妇女的发病率和死亡率上升有关• 干燥加剧和干旱在全球范围内不断增加的人类迁移中发挥了关键作用,特别是在南欧、中东、北非和南亚的极度干燥和干燥地区。 该报告标志着一个转折点报告指出,多年来,记录干燥的增加被证明是一项挑战。其长期性以及降雨、蒸发和植物蒸腾等因素的复杂相互作用使分析变得困难。早期的研究产生了相互矛盾的结果,往往被科学谨慎所混淆。这份新报告标志着一个转折点,利用先进的气候模型和标准化的方法,对全球干旱趋势进行了明确的评估,确认了干燥不可避免的上升,同时对其潜在驱动因素和潜在的未来轨迹提供了重要资讯。建议该报告为解决干燥问题提供了一个全面的路线图,强调减缓和适应。其建议包括:● 加强干燥监测将干燥指标纳入现有的干旱监测系统。这种方法能够及早发现变化,有助于在情况恶化之前指导干预措施。诸如新的干燥可视化信息工具这样的平台为政策制定者和研究人员提供了有价值的数据,可以实现早期预警和及时干预。标准化评估可以加强全球合作,为地方适应战略提供信息。 ● 改善土地使用做法鼓励可持续土地利用系统可以减轻干燥加剧的影响,特别是在脆弱地区。创新、全面、可持续的土地管理方法是另一份新的《联合国防治荒漠化公约》科学政策界面报告《可持续土地利用系统:集体实现土地退化零增长的途径》的重点,该报告可在https://bit.ly/3ZwkLZ3获取。它考虑了一个地方的土地利用如何影响其他地方的其他人,将应对气候变化或其他冲击的韧性作为优先事项,鼓励土著和地方社区以及各级政府的参与和支持。像“绿色长城”这样的项目(一个横跨非洲的土地恢复计划)展示了开展大规模综合工作以对抗干燥和恢复生态系统,同时创造就业和稳定经济的潜力。 ● 投资于用水效率雨水收集、滴灌和废水回收等技术为干旱地区管理稀缺水资源提供了切实可行的解决方案。 ● 在脆弱社区建立韧性地方知识、能力建设、社会正义和整体思维对韧性至关重要。可持续土地利用系统鼓励决策者实施负责任的治理,保护人权(包括有保障的土地使用权),并确保问责制和透明度。能力建设方案、财政支持、教育方案、气候信息服务和社区驱动举措使受干燥影响最严重的人能够适应不断变化的条件。农民转向种植抗旱作物,牧民采用更耐旱的牲畜,都是渐进适应的例子。 ● 发展国际框架与合作《联合国防治荒漠化公约》的土地退化零增长框架提供了一个使国家政策与国际目标保持一致的模式,确保对危机采取统一的应对措施。国家适应计划必须将干燥与干旱规划结合起来,以制定应对水和土地管理挑战的有凝聚力的战略。在《联合国防治荒漠化公约》等框架的推动下,全球层面的跨部门合作对于扩大解决方案的规模至关重要。 评论“几十年来,全球科学家一直表示,我们不断增长的温室气体排放是全球变暖的原因。现在,一个联合国科学机构首次警告说,燃烧化石燃料也正在世界大部分地区造成永久性干旱,潜在的灾难性影响可能会影响到水资源的获取,这可能会将人类和自然推向灾难性的临界点。随着世界上大片土地变得越来越干旱,不作为的后果变得越来越可怕,适应不再是可有可无,而是势在必行。”● 《联合国防治荒漠化公约》首席科学家Barron Orr“如果没有协调一致的努力,数十亿人将面临饥饿、流离失所和经济衰退的未来。然而,通过采用创新的解决办法和促进全球团结,人类可以奋起迎接这一挑战。问题不在于我们是否有应对的工具,而在于我们是否有行动的意愿。”● Nichole Barger,《联合国防治荒漠化公约》科学政策界面主席“该报告的清晰性为政策制定者敲响了警钟:解决干燥问题不仅需要科学,还需要多种视角和知识体系。通过将土著和当地知识与前沿数据相结合,我们可以制定更强大、更明智的战略,以减缓干燥的进展,减轻其影响,并在干旱的世界中繁荣发展。”● Sergio Vicente-Serrano,该报告的共同主要作者,西班牙比利牛斯生态研究所干燥问题专家“这份报告强调了解决干燥问题的迫切需要,这是我们这个时代的一个决定性全球挑战。通过整合各种专业知识和利用突破性技术,我们不仅仅是在衡量变化,我们还在制定弹性路线图。应对干燥需要一个协作愿景,将创新、适应性解决方案和为所有人确保可持续未来的承诺结合起来。”● Narcisa Pricope,共同主要作者,美国密西西比州立大学地球科学教授和研究副校长。“这份报告的及时性怎么强调都不为过。干燥加剧将重塑全球格局,挑战传统的生活方式,迫使社会重新思考与土地和水的关系。与气候变化和生物多样性丧失一样,解决干燥问题需要采取协调一致的国际行动,并坚定不移地致力于可持续发展。”● Andrea Toreti,共同主要作者,欧盟委员会联合研究中心资深科学家从数字上看: 主要全球趋势/预测77.6%:与前30年相比,1990年至2020年遭受干旱气候的地球土地比例。40.6%:被列为干旱地区的全球陆地面积(不包括南极洲),过去30年为37.5%。430万平方公里:在过去三十年里变成旱地的湿润土地,面积比印度还大三分之一40%:受干燥影响的全球可耕地。干燥是农业退化的主要驱动因素。30.9%:到2020年生活在干旱地区的全球人口,1990年为22.5%23亿:2020年生活在干旱地区的人口,比1990年增加了一倍,在最坏的气候变化情景下,预计到2100年将再增加一倍以上。13.5亿:亚洲的干旱地区居民,占全球总数的一半以上。6.2亿:非洲的干旱地区居民,几乎占非洲大陆人口的一半。9.1%:地球上被划分为极度干旱的土地比例,包括阿塔卡马沙漠(智利)、撒哈拉沙漠(非洲)、纳米布沙漠(非洲)和戈壁沙漠(中国/蒙古)。23%:在最坏的排放情景下,到2100年沙漠化风险为“中等”至“非常高”的全球土地增加率+8% 风险“非常高”。+5% 风险“高”。+10% 风险“中等”。环境退化● 5:土地退化的主要驱动因素:干燥加剧、土地侵蚀、盐碱化、有机碳损失和植被退化● 20%:到2100年,由于干燥加剧而面临生态系统突变风险的全球土地● 55%:因干燥而面临栖息地丧失风险的物种(哺乳动物、爬行动物、鱼类、两栖动物和鸟类)。热点:(干燥地区):非洲西部、澳大利亚西部、伊比利亚半岛;(湿润地区):墨西哥南部,亚马逊雨林北部经济● 12%:1990-2015年干燥导致的非洲GDP下降● 16%/6.7%:在中等排放情景下,到2079年非洲/亚洲预计GDP损失● 2000万吨玉米、2100万吨小麦、1900万吨稻米:由于干燥加剧,到2040年全球农作物产量预计损失● 50%:在高排放情景下,到2050年肯尼亚玉米产量预计下降水 ● 90%:干旱地区蒸发回大气的降雨,剩下的10%用于植物生长● 67%:即使在中等排放情景下,到2100年全球土地储水量预计减少● 75%:自20世纪50年代以来,中东和北非地区可用水量下降● 40%:在高排放情景下,到2100年安第斯山脉预计径流减少,威胁南美洲的供水健康● 55%:在中等排放情景下,由于干燥和气候变暖的共同影响,撒哈拉以南非洲地区严重儿童发育迟缓的情况增加● 高达12.5%:2013-2018年,中国沙尘暴造成的死亡风险预计上升● 57%/38%:在最坏的气候情景下,到2100年美国西南部大气细尘和粗尘水平分别增加● 220%:在高排放情景下,到2100年,美国西南部因空气尘埃导致的过早死亡预计增加● 160%:同一地区与空气中灰尘有关的住院人数预计增加野火和森林● 74%:在高排放情景下,到2100年加州野火燃烧面积预计增加● 40:与20世纪后期相比,到2100年希腊每年火灾危险天数增加给编辑的说明:干燥与干旱高度干燥地区是指持续的长期气候条件缺乏支持大多数生命形式的可用水分,大气蒸发需求量大大超过降雨量的地区。 而干旱则是一种影响生态系统和人类的异常短期缺水期,通常由于降水少、温度高、空气湿度低和/或风异常造成。 干旱是自然气候变化的一部分,几乎在任何气候型中都可能发生,而干燥是一种稳定的条件,在强大驱动作用下,其变化在极长时间尺度上发生。 禁止报道期:格林威治时间2024年12月9日星期一上午8点媒体联系人:press@unccd.intFragkiska Megaloudi,+30 6945547877(WhatsApp), fmegaloudi@unccd.int Gloria Pallares,+34 606 93 1460, gpallares@unccd.int Terry Collins,+1-416-878-8712, tc@tca.tc作者和其他专家可以提前采访。 供媒体预览的完整报告《土地干旱的全球威胁:区域和全球干燥趋势与未来预测》可在此处获取:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CsAn3qO5iD0E3F3eg6OSm84ddxK-C9Tv/view?usp=sharing

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 14 December — After two weeks of intense negotiations on how to tackle land degradation, desertification and drought, the largest and most inclusive United Nations land conference wrapped up in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.The nearly 200 countries convening at the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) committed to prioritize land restoration and drought resilience in national policies and international cooperation as an essential strategy for food security and climate adaptation. Nations also made significant progress in laying the groundwork for a future global drought regime, which they intend to complete at COP17 in Mongolia in 2026. In the meanwhile, more than USD 12 billion were pledged to tackle desertification, land degradation and drought around the world, especially in the most vulnerable countries.Among the main agreements reached at COP16 were the creation of a Caucus for Indigenous Peoples and a Caucus for Local Communities to ensure that their unique perspectives and challenges are adequately represented; a continuation of the Convention’s Science-Policy Interface to strengthen science-based decision-making, and the mobilization of private sector engagement under the Business4Land initiative.COP16 was the largest and most inclusive UNCCD COP to date: it attracted more than 20,000 participants, around 3,500 of them from civil society, and featured more than 600 events as part of the first Action Agenda to involve non-state actors in the work of the Convention.In a prepared statement, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed emphasized “Our work does not end with the closing of COP16. We must continue to tackle the climate crisis—it is a call to action for all of us to embrace inclusivity, innovation, and resilience. Youth and Indigenous peoples must be at the heart of these conversations. Their wisdom, their voices, and their creativity are indispensable as we craft a sustainable future with renewed hope for generations to come.”In his closing remarks, COP16 President, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Alfadley, said the meeting marked a turning point in raising international awareness of the pressing need to accelerate land restoration and drought resilience.“The Kingdom’s hosting of this important conference reflects its ongoing commitment to environmental issues and sustainable development. It reaffirms its dedication to working with all parties to preserve ecosystems, enhance international cooperation to combat desertification and land degradation, and address drought. 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 around the world.”Addressing COP16 closing plenary, Under-Secretary-General and UNCCD Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw stated: “As we have discussed and witnessed, the solutions are within our grasp. The actions we took today will shape not only the future of our planet but also the lives, livelihoods, and opportunities of those who depend on it.”He further emphasized a significant shift in the global approach to land and drought issues, highlighting the interconnected challenges with broader global issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, food security, forced migration, and global stability.Financial needs and pledgesDuring the Conference, participants heard that UNCCD estimates that at least USD 2.6 trillion in total investments are needed by 2030 to restore more than one billion hectares of degraded land and build resilience to drought. This equals USD 1 billion in daily investments between now and 2030 to meet global land restoration targets and combat desertification and drought.New pledges for large-scale land restoration and drought preparedness were announced, such as the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership which attracted USD 12.15 billion to support 80 of the world’s most vulnerable countries in building their resilience to drought, including a USD 10 billion pledge from the Arab Coordination Group.The Great Green Wall (GGW), an African-led initiative to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land, also mobilized EUR 11 million from the Italian Government for landscape restoration in the Sahel and EUR 3.6 million from the Austrian Government to strengthen the coordination and implementation of the initiative across 22 African countries. The drive is part of the GGW Accelerator, a UNCCD-supported effort to achieve the ambitions for a greener, more prosperous Sahel.Additionally, the United States and several partner countries and organizations announced total investments of nearly USD 70 million to advance the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS). The initiative looks to build resilient food systems grounded in diverse, nutritious, and climate-adapted crops grown in healthy soils.The first-ever UNCCD COP in the Middle East and North Africa provided an opportunity to shine a light on the specific challenges facing the region and bring to the fore innovative solutions to land degradation and drought.The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced five new projects valued at USD 60 million to ramp up climate and environmental efforts as part of the Saudi Green Initiative. The UNCCD COP16 Presidency also announced the launch of an international sand and dust storm monitoring initiative. This effort, part of a regional early warning system, aims to complement existing efforts overseen by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).The International Drought Resilience Observatory (IDRO), the first global AI-driven platform to help countries assess, and enhance, their capacity to cope with harsher droughts. This innovative tool is an initiative of the International Drought Resilience Alliance (IDRA), which Saudi Arabia joined earlier this year. Greater voice for Indigenous Peoples and other non-state actorsIn a landmark decision, Parties requested the creation of a Caucus for Indigenous Peoples and a Caucus for Local Communities. The objective is to ensure that their unique perspectives and priorities are adequately represented in the work of the Convention. The declaration ‘Sacred Lands’, presented during the inaugural Indigenous Peoples’ Forum at a UNCCD COP, underscored the role of Indigenous Peoples in sustainable resource management and called for greater involvement in global land and drought governance, including through participation in land restoration efforts.“Today, history has been made”, said Indigenous People representative Oliver Tester from Australia. “We look forward to championing our commitment to protect Mother Earth through a dedicated Caucus, and leave this space trusting that our voices be heard.”COP16 also saw the biggest youth participation to date, building on the UNCCD Youth Engagement Strategy and Action Plan, that seeks to give youth a more prominent role in land and drought negotiations and action, and provide technical and financial support for youth-led initiatives.On the gender front, countries underscored the need to pay special attention to all forms of discrimination faced by women and girls when designing and implementing policy and programmes related to land degradation and drought.In recognition of the important role of the private sector, which currently contributes only 6% of financing towards land restoration and drought resilience, Parties have mandated the UNCCD Secretariat and the Global Mechanism to mobilize private sector engagement under the Business4Land initiative. The decision emphasizes the critical role of private sector advocacy, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies, and sustainable finance in addressing DLDD challenges. The decision comes after the Business4Land Forum, which brought together the largest-ever number of private sector participants at a UNCCD COP — more than 400— from industries like finance, fashion, agri-food, and pharmaceuticals.Stronger science on land and droughtAcknowledging the role of science as the foundation for sound policies, the Parties agreed on the continuation of UNCCD’s Science-Policy Interface (SPI), which was created at COP11 in 2013 to translate scientific findings into recommendations for decision-makers. At COP16, for instance, the SPI presented definitive evidence that three quarters of the Earth’s ice-free surface have become permanently drier in the past 30 years, with a predicted five billion people living in drylands by 2100, showing the urgency to take action.A new UNCCD report, The Global Threat of Drying Lands: Regional and global aridity trends and future projections, revealed that some 77.6% of Earth’s land has experienced drier conditions since the 1990s compared to the previous 30-year period. Over the same period, drylands — an arid area with low rainfall— expanded by about 4.3 million km2 equal to an area nearly a third larger than India, the world’s 7th largest country. Drylands now cover 40.6% of all land on Earth excluding Antarctica.Seven of nine planetary boundaries are negatively impacted by unsustainable land use, highlighted the UNCCD report Stepping back from the precipice: Transforming land management to stay within planetary boundaries, produced in collaboration with the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, which explains how land degradation is undermining Earth’s capacity to sustain a growing human population. The report reiterates that agriculture accounts for 23% of greenhouse gas emissions, 80% of deforestation, and 70% of freshwater use, and calls for an urgent land use transition to step away from the precipice.According to UNCCD’s newly released World Drought Atlas and Economics of Drought Resilience reports, droughts affect the livelihoods of 1.8 billion people worldwide, pushing already vulnerable communities to the brink. They also cost an estimated USD 300 billion per year, threatening key economic sectors such as agriculture, energy and water.From Riyadh to MongoliaFor the first time, UNCCD Parties made a decision encouraging the sustainable management, restoration and conservation of rangelands — vast ecosystems used for grazing — ahead of COP17, to be hosted by Mongolia in 2026 during the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists. These ecosystems cover half of the Earth’s terrestrial surface and are the dominant land use in the world’s drylands, but 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. Some two billion people who live in pastoral areas are among the world’s most vulnerable in the face of desertification, land degradation and drought.ENDNOTESMedia inquiries:For media enquiries, please contact the UNCCD Press Office at press@unccd.int or unccd@portland-communications.comCOP16 decisions are available here: https://www.unccd.int/cop16/official-documentsAbout UNCCDThe United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is an international agreement on good land stewardship. It helps people, communities and countries create wealth, grow economies and secure enough food, clean water and energy by ensuring land users an enabling environment for sustainable land management. Through partnerships, the Convention’s 197 Parties set up robust systems to manage drought promptly and effectively. Good land stewardship based on sound policy and science helps integrate and accelerate achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, builds resilience to climate change and prevents biodiversity loss.About COP16The Conference of the Parties (COP) was established by the Convention as its main decision-making body. It is made up of UNCCD’s 197 Parties (196 countries and the European Union) and is responsible for guiding the Convention so that it can respond to global challenges and national needs. UNCCD COP16 will be a landmark event to raise global ambition and accelerate action on land and drought resilience through a people-centred approach. Coinciding with the Convention’s 30th anniversary, UNCCD COP16 was the first major UN conference hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It was also the first time a UNCCD COP was held in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, which knows firsthand the impacts of desertification, land degradation and drought.

UNCCD COP16 Finance Day: Mobilizing Investment in Land RestorationJournalists are invited to attend Day 10 of UNCCD COP16, which spotlights the need to address the gaps in finance for land restoration, drought resilience, and combating degradation and desertification. On Finance Day, ministries, donor agencies and investment funds from both the public and private sector are called to seek for new ways to mobilize investment in sustainable land management.Key EventsRestor and G20 Global Land Initiative Announce the RestorLife Awards to Celebrate Restoration ChampionsWhen: 18:00 -18:30Where: Blue Zone Restoration PavillionRestor and the G20 Global Land Initiative Coordination Office of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) have partnered to host an awards competition called RestorLife Awards. Starting this year, the awards will be hosted on the Restor platform, the largest network of community-led restoration and conservation efforts across the globe, the RestorLife Awards recognize and support outstanding achievements of nature stewards in their nature restoration journey that contribute to a fair and sustainable future for all. Register here: bit.ly/3AAd4rmOther Press EventsMedia Briefing on the Great Green Wall Investments Signed at COP-16When: 12:00-12:45Where: MET-17Speakers:Gilles Amadou Ouedraogo, Program Officer, Global Mechanism of the UNCCDCathrine Mutambirwa, Programme Coordinator LDN and Land Restoration at Global Mechanism of the UNCCDExperts will deep dive into the following investments signed here at COP16 for various Great Green Wall projects as well as the "Creating Lands of Opportunities: Transforming Livelihoods through Landscape Restoration in the Sahel (LOGMe)" project and the “Strengthening Coordination and Implementation of the Great Green Wall Initiative” project.Media AccreditationAll journalists must be accredited to attend. Accreditation can be completed through the Online Registration System (ORS). Additional information, including the full agenda and session details, is available on the COP16 website.For inquiries, contact press@unccd.intKey resources Press releases and other media materials from COP16 updated daily hereUNCCD COP16 Trello Board, including branding guidelines and key messagesUNCCD COP16 websiteHost country website COP16 conference app available in the Apple app store and Google PlayUN WebTV – live broadcast of key plenary sessions with live interpretation in all six UN languages.Press and media kitSocial media kitPhoto assets – Flickr and Earth Negotiation BulletinPress Conference ScheduleUNCCD TerminologyThe Arab Fund Launches Water Observatory to Advance Investments in Regional Water Security at COP16Future Key COP16 Events for Media Closing Press Conference (12 December, 15:00)

Resilience Day at UNCCD COP16: Strengthening Ecosystems and Societies Against Threats to LandMembers of the press are invited to Day 9 of UNCCD COP16, which focuses on building resilience against global challenges to land such as desertification, water scarcity and degradation through proactive approaches such as early warning systems and nature-based solutions. The day’s activities are on scaling up land restoration, strengthening early warning systems, and promoting water security and drought preparedness.Key EventsOpening Session: Resilience to address the challenges of land degradation, desertification, drought and water scarcityWhen: 09:00-10:00Where: MET-33This session will set the stage of the day and will bring high level speakers to discuss – what is needed to scale up resilience globally and increase action to combat land desertification, ecosystems degradation, drought and water scarcity.International Drought Resilience Observatory Expert ExchangeWhen: 13:30-14:30Where: MET-24Closing Event: Connecting DLDD, SDS and water scarcity with Integrated Land SolutionsWhen: 17:30-18:30Where: MET-33Resilience Day showcased a range of interdisciplinary and integrated actions and solutions that can be scaled up to enhance the resilience of communities, countries, and regions across the globe. It argued for an inclusive and transformative approach that promotes land restoration and nature-based solutions, long-term investment and contingency planning, risk and impact assessment, early warning systems, evidence and research for replication, capacity strengthening for scale, policy upgrades, risk financing (e.g., insurance), and a bottom-up/people-ecosystems- centered approach capable of facilitating resilience.Other Press EventsVoice of Civil Society Organizations Press Conference: CSOs at the heart of the fight against desertificationWhen: 11:00-11:30Where: MET-17This event will focus on topics relevant to civil society organizations (CSOs), with discussions on the intersection of land restoration, policy action, and civil society contributions.Media AccreditationAll journalists must be accredited to attend. Accreditation can be completed through the Online Registration System (ORS). Additional information, including the full agenda and session details, is available on the COP16 website.For inquiries, contact press@unccd.intKey resources Press releases and other media materials from COP16 updated daily hereUNCCD COP16 Trello Board, including branding guidelines and key messagesUNCCD COP16 websiteHost country website COP16 conference app available in the Apple app store and Google PlayUN WebTV – live broadcast of key plenary sessions with live interpretation in all six UN languages.Press and media kitSocial media kitPhoto assets – Flickr and Earth Negotiation Bulletin Press Conference ScheduleUNCCD Terminology

UNCCD COP16: Launch of the Global Aridity Trends Report and Science-Policy InnovationsJournalists are invited to attend Day 8 of UNCCD COP16, where science takes center stage in driving solutions to combat desertification and land degradation. The day’s highlights include the launch of The Global Threat of Drying Lands: Regional and Global Aridity Trends and Future Projections report, offering critical insights into aridity trends and their implications for sustainable land management.Key EventsScience Pavilion (Green Zone) - Science-Policy Interface (SPI) DayWhen: 09:00 – 18:00Where: Science Pavilion (Green Zone)A full-day showcase of groundbreaking scientific insights and their application in global policy efforts. The event underscores science's essential role in achieving sustainable land management and combating desertification.SPI Press Conference for The Global Threat of Drying Lands: Regional and global aridity trends and future projections ReportWhen: 12:00-13:00Where: MET-17SpeakersBarron Orr, UNCCD Chief ScientistNichole Barger, Science Policy Interface (SPI) Co- chair, Professor Emeritus and the University of Colorado at Boulder in the United States Narcisa Pricope, Professor in the Department of Geosciences at Mississippi State University Sergio Vicente -Serrano, Scientific Researcher at the Pyrenean Institute of EcologyThe Science-Policy Interface (SPI) will host a press conference to release the Aridification Report, highlighting scientific findings and the urgent need to address the effects of aridification in combating land degradation and desertification.High-Level Interactive Dialogue: Healing Our Land Through Science and Earth IntelligenceWhen: 13:00 – 15:00Where: MET-33A high-level interactive dialogue featuring scientific leaders and policymakers discussing innovative Earth Intelligence tools and their transformative impact on land restoration efforts and ecosystem resilience.Youth Negotiators Academy Press ConferenceWhen: Monday, 9 December 2024, 14:00 – 14:30Where: MET-17Speakers:Marie-Claire Graf, Co-Founder of Youth Negotiators AcademyVeena Balakrishnan, Co-Founders of Youth Negotiators AcademyThe Youth Negotiators Academy is an organisation that was founded in 2022 to train young people to join their country delegations and negotiate across the three Rio Conventions. This year they are taking a large cohort of young negotiators trained in our Land Youth Negotiator Programme to participate in the negotiations at UNCCD COP16.Media AccreditationAll journalists must be accredited to attend. Accreditation can be completed through the Online Registration System (ORS). Additional information, including the full agenda and session details, is available on the COP16 website.For inquiries, contact press@unccd.intKey resources Press releases and other media materials from COP16 updated daily hereUNCCD COP16 Trello Board, including branding guidelines and key messagesUNCCD COP16 websiteHost country website COP16 conference app available in the Apple app store and Google PlayUN WebTV – live broadcast of key plenary sessions with live interpretation in all six UN languages.Press and media kitSocial media kitPhoto assets – Flickr and Earth Negotiation Bulletin Press Conference ScheduleYoung Negotiators Take on UN COP16!Future Key COP16 Events for Media 9 December: Launch of the Global Aridity Trends Report

High-profile athletes Naomi Akakpo, Asmaa Niang, Jitske Visser, and Franck Kessié unite in support of healthy land and drought resilience at UNCCD COP16Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 7 December 2024 – The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) today unveiled its first-ever Sport4Land Champions at COP16, the largest United Nations land conference in the Middle East region to date. Launched at the Paris Olympics earlier this year, the Sport4Land campaign aims to leverage the universal appeal of sports to avert the global land crisis, marked by the loss of a staggering four football fields of productive land every second. The four Sport4Land Champions will join UNCCD, one of the three Rio Conventions alongside climate and biodiversity, in the urgent mission to restore degraded land and build resilience to drought, and to inspire communities worldwide to take collective action.Naomi Akakpo, Olympic hurdler from Togo emphasized the fundamental connection between land health, food security and human well-being. "Land is more than a resource—it is our foundation," she said. "When we restore degraded land, we restore life and opportunity for countless communities." Inspired by her motto, "Beyond Limits," Naomi’s advocacy embodies bold, innovative actions for land restoration.Asmaa Niang, six-time African judo champion from Morocco, drew parallels between the discipline required in her sport and the strategies needed to combat desertification. "Judo has taught me resilience and strategy," she explained. "These are the same tools we need to fight desertification. It’s not just a fight for land; it’s a fight for every family and community that depends on it." Leveraging her multicultural background and nomadic spirit, Asmaa works with the Yzza Slaoui Foundation to empower rural girls and women in Morocco’s regions most affected by desertification.Paralympic wheelchair basketball gold medalist Jitske Visser from the Netherlands underscored the disproportionate impact of land degradation and drought on marginalized populations. "People with disabilities are often excluded from environmental solutions, even though we’re among the most vulnerable to its effects," she said. "This campaign is about breaking down barriers, ensuring that no one is left behind, and demonstrating that inclusion is essential for success."Footballer Franck Kessié from Côte d’Ivoire, who is currently playing for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli, highlighted youth engagement in support of healthy land, noting that “Sport teaches us resilience, teamwork, and the power of unity. These are exactly the values we need to tackle the land crisis.”UNCCD Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw said: "Congratulations to our new champions leading the fight against desertification, land degradation, drought and food insecurity. Your determination to raise awareness of these critical issues brings hope to countless communities, including youth and those most vulnerable, including people with disabilities."At the announcement event held at COP16, the newly appointed champions shared their personal journeys and reflected on how their sporting careers connect to the global fight against land degradation. According to UNCCD data, 100 million hectares – an area equivalent to the size of Egypt–become degraded every year. The impact jeopardizes the livelihoods of more than one billion young people in developing countries who depend on the land for their survival. Among those affected, people with disabilities–16% of the world's population–face unique challenges, from limited access to resources to exclusion from decision-making and recovery efforts. About Sport4LandSport4Land is a global campaign by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) to unite the sports community in the fight against land degradation, desertification and drought. With climate change accelerating droughts, heatwaves, and land degradation, the impact is being felt not only on playing fields but also on the food we eat, the livelihoods we depend on, and the environment we share.Launched at the Paris Olympics 2024, the campaign engages sportsmen and women and fans worldwide to take action for land restoration. High-profile athletes like Asmaa Niang, Naomi Akakpo, Jitske Visser, and Franck Kessié will champion this initiative to highlight the critical connection between healthy land and thriving communities.

Journalists are invited to cover People’s Day at UNCCD COP16, a pivotal moment on Day 6 featuring high-level dialogues and interactive sessions that highlight the contributions of Indigenous Peoples, youth, and gender equality in combating desertification and land degradation, while showcasing innovative solutions, fostering inclusive participation, and strengthening partnerships for sustainable land restoration.Key EventsHigh-level Event: Indigenous Peoples for LandWhen: 10:-00–13:00Where: MET-33For the first time, UNCCD COP16 will host a dedicated dialogue with Indigenous Peoples, focusing on integrating their voices into UNCCD implementation. The session will work on crafting recommendations for meaningful Indigenous participation, especially in rangeland protection, ahead of the International Year of Rangelands. Indigenous representatives will also engage in high-level events and People’s Day activities to call for greater partnerships and support for their contributions to land restoration.Youth Forum: Action for Land, Restoring Work for Resilient and Sustainable FuturesWhen: 15:00 – 18:00Where: MET-33Under the patronage of the Saudi Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, this forum gathers ministers, UNCCD leadership, COP presidencies, international organizations, youth-led initiatives like the Youth Negotiator Academy, and partners such as AGFUND and the MISK Foundation. Discussions will address challenges in combating desertification and explore technology, community solutions, and youth leadership in building resilience and sustainability.Gender Caucus: Emerging Best Practices on the Collection of Sex-Disaggregated Data and Gender-Responsive Indicators for DLDD InitiativesWhen: 15:00 – 16:20Where: MET-24This session showcases best practices in gender-responsive indicators and sex-disaggregated data for monitoring drought, land degradation, and desertification. It aims to inform UNCCD’s next strategic framework with refined metrics.Other Press EventsDaily Press Conference on Peoples DayWhen: 14:00-14:30Where: MET-17Speakers:Tarja Halonen, Former President of Finland, Sustainability Advocate and UNCCD Co-Chair of the Gender Caucus.Her Highness Princess Mashael bint Saud Al-Shalan , Co-Founder, Aeon Collective, Saudi ArabiaHindou Oumarou Ibrahim, President, Association for Indigenous Women and Peoples of Chad (AFPAT)This media briefing tackles the role of indigenous people, youth, and women in land restoration and as champions of inclusive and sustainable development.Media AccreditationAll journalists must be accredited to attend. Accreditation can be completed through the Online Registration System (ORS). Additional information, including the full agenda and session details, is available on the COP16 website.For inquiries, contact press@unccd.intKey resources Press releases and other media materials from COP16 updated daily hereUNCCD COP16 Trello Board, including branding guidelines and key messagesUNCCD COP16 websiteHost country website COP16 conference app available in the Apple app store and Google PlayUN WebTV – live broadcast of key plenary sessions with live interpretation in all six UN languages.Press and media kitSocial media kitPhoto assets – Flickr and Earth Negotiation Bulletin Press Conference ScheduleFuture Key COP16 Events for Media 9 December: Launch of the Global Aridity Trends Report

UNCCD COP16: Uniting Leaders to Take Action on Pressing Land Issues on Governance DayJournalists are invited to attend Day 5 of COP16, where a series of significant events will focus on local and regional actions in combating land degradation, water scarcity, and desertification, as well as advancing women's land rights and enhancing urban-rural linkages.Key EventsMayor's Forum: Showcasing the Role of Local and Regional Governments in Combating Land Degradation, Water Scarcity, and DesertificationWhen: 13:00–15:00Where: MET-33This forum will feature a roundtable dialogue on the role of local governments in addressing land degradation, desertification, and water scarcity, highlighting effective climate resilience actions. A plenary discussion on 6 December will further explore practical experiences and solutions shared by local and regional governments.Women’s Land Rights for Effective Restoration Efforts: Understanding Synergies, Taking ActionWhen: 13:00–15:00Where: MET-33This session will examine the vital role of strengthening land rights for women in ecosystem restoration efforts, showcasing successful approaches, offering recommendations for equitable action, and exploring how gender justice can be integrated into land and restoration policies..Urban-Rural Linkages and Land: Tools and Governance Frameworks for ActionWhen: 15:30–17:30Where: MET-24This session will provide an overview of the challenges and solutions related to urban-rural linkages, focusing on governance frameworks, spatial planning, and finance tools. It will discuss how these tools can strengthen the connections between rural producers and urban consumers.Key ReportsPrimer on Urban-Rural Linkages and Land: Tools and Governance Frameworks for ActionOther Press EventsPlease note that there will be no press briefing on 6th December. However, you’re cordially invited to join the People’s Day press briefing on 7th December which will cover Indigenous Peopl and gender issues related to land. Media AccreditationAll journalists must be accredited to attend. Accreditation can be completed through the Online Registration System (ORS). Additional information, including the full agenda and session details, is available on the COP16 website.For inquiries, contact press@unccd.intKey resources Press releases and other media materials from COP16 updated daily hereUNCCD COP16 Trello Board, including branding guidelines and key messagesUNCCD COP16 websiteHost country website COP16 conference app available in the Apple app store and Google PlayUN WebTV – live broadcast of key plenary sessions with live interpretation in all six UN languages.Press and media kitSocial media kitPhoto assets – Flickr and Earth Negotiation Bulletin Press Conference Schedule World Soil Day 2024 underlines vital importance of accurate soil data and information for food securityFuture Key COP16 Events for Media 6 December: Launch of the Primer on Urban-Rural Linkages and Land9 December: Launch of the Global Aridity Trends Report

Largest private sector participation at a UNCCD COP to date builds momentum for sustainable land management UNCCD’s Business4Land (B4L) Initiative releases a guide to help the private sector assess land degradation risks and report on mitigation actions5 December (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) — On Wednesday 4th December, hundreds of private sector representatives from finance, fashion, agri-food to pharmaceuticals, convened in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to discuss their role in ensuring sustainable land, soil and water management. They responded to a call to action launched by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) at the 16th Conference of the Parties.The Business 4 Land Forum brought together high-level decision makers and CEOs from companies that are particularly land-and-water-dependent, including firms in the agrifood, pharma, energy, textiles, ICT, and finance and insurance sectors. Land degradation and drought pose serious risks for businesses and investors, meaning it is in their best interest to mitigate them by contributing to global efforts for healthy lands and drought resilience.The event was part of Business 4 Land (B4L), an initiative launched by UNCCD earlier this year in Davos with InTent - a platform that can quickly mobilize an influential and diverse group of decision-makers for change - to engage and support private actors in sustainable land management. It is supported by the COP16 Presidency, the World Economic Forum, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, ChangeNOW, the Sustainable Fibre Alliance, the International Chamber of Commerce, the UN Global Compact, and the Saudi Environment Fund. “COP16 has attracted the largest-ever participation of the private sector to a UNCCD COP to date, providing a critical momentum to make sustainable land management a core part of corporate and financial strategies,” said the Executive Secretary of UNCCD Ibrahim Thiaw. “Shifting towards nature-positive operations, supply chains, and investments, is not only about environmental sustainability, but about the long-term profitability and resilience of businesses.”The B4L Forum brought together 60 high-level speakers and 400 guests; among them, more than 40 corporations that recognize the urgent need to address land degradation and drought, and acknowledge their responsibility in ensuring the sustainable management of natural resources as a business and social imperative. B4L’s call to action urges companies to contribute to one or more of the Business 4 Land (B4L) initiative's pillars: promoting sustainable practices across business operations; supporting finance solutions; and advocating for better land and water management policies. “$44 trillion, over half of global GDP, is at risk from nature loss. It is imperative for business to explore innovations that can halt and reverse land degradation while unlocking opportunities for business growth,” said Gim Huay Neo, Managing Director at 1T.org, World Economic Forum. “Through collaboration with governments and other stakeholders, business can accelerate progress on land restoration for a more resilient future for all.”André Hoffmann, member of the high-level advisory committee of COP16 and founder of InTent and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors said: "The private sector, which can play vital role in the sustainable transition we urgently need, must see nature not as a resource to exploit but as our life-support system. The B4L Forum was an opportunity to forge new coalitions to restore land and build resilience. By shifting from extraction to collaboration, we can drive investments in nature-based solutions that secure human prosperity and planetary health."The forum highlighted the need to align business, policies, and finance to protect land as a critical asset. Participants discussed how to account for the corporate impacts on land, how to mitigate the risks of land degradation - for example, by setting measurable targets both in direct operations and across supply chains - and by reporting on progress.New guidance for the private sectorThe Business 4 Land initiative launched a guide to help corporate actors navigate land-related disclosures and target-setting and align their strategies with national policies and global goals for a fair land transition. "Corporate disclosures are essential for land-positive businesses. Today, many companies still lack a clear understanding of their land-related impacts and dependencies, leaving them vulnerable to significant risks”, said Razan Al Mubarak, Co-Chair of the Taskforce for Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) and President of IUCN. The report, ‘Corporate Disclosures and Target-Setting on Land Guide’, was developed together with the (TNFD) and the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN), in consultation with actors like the WEF and the COP16 Presidency. The costs of land degradation and drought are steep. For example, U.S. farmers may face short-term costs of up to USD 40 per acre for regenerative agriculture practices, but long-term profits can increase by up to 120%. B4L's guide supports companies in harnessing these opportunities.“In a context of rising nature risks, businesses have a key role to plan in taking action for land and reversing the trend of degradation, water scarcity and biodiversity loss impacting our societies and economies, across value chains and industries,” concluded a member of the Executive Committee of the World Economic Forum Nicole Schwab.***COMMENTSPhilippe Zaouati, CEO of the MIROVA sustainable investment fund, said: “Companies stand to gain significantly by transforming their value chains to incorporate sustainable practices, not only to reduce their impact on nature but also to seize the economic opportunities that arise. Mobilizing funding for land restoration requires a concerted effort by the public and private sectors. By working together, we can create an enabling environment for restoration, which is essential to achieve greenhouse gas neutrality by 2050 and a sustainable future.”Henri Bruxelles, CSO of Danone, said: “The livelihoods of more than 2.5 billion people, many of them smallholder farmers, depend on agriculture, which is both a significant contributor to climate change and one of the most impacted by its impacts. Collaborating across sectors of society is vital to address the intertwined climate and water challenges; guarantee food security and nutrition; and secure the livelihoods of the communities that feed the world; and build a sustainable food system.”Erin Billman, Co-lead of SBTN’s Land Hub & Executive Director of the Science Based Targets Network: “Connecting corporate actions and their science-based targets to party commitments under the UN conventions is an important lever in delivering the promise of global targets.”Maryanne Gichanga, CEO of AgriTech Analytics Ltd, who won a USD 50,000 grant provided by InTent as part of the Land of Opportunities Pitch Competition on 4 December at COP16: “Having our start up, AgriTech Analytics being spotlighted in such a global stage during Land Day has been such an incredible opportunity, spearheading collaborations and partnerships. Receiving the generous prize of 50k USD the Land of Opportunities Pitch competition will enable us to scale and help more farmers in the farming communities in Kenya. We are very grateful for UNCCD for inviting us to join COP16 and for the pitch competition partners for their contributions.”NOTES Media enquiries: Please contact contact UNCCD Press Office at press@unccd.int or unccd@portland-communications.comSocial media: @UNCCD #COP16Riyadh #UNited4Land #Business4LandAbout UNCCDThe United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is the only legally binding international agreement on good land stewardship. It supports communities and countries in creating wealth and securing nutritious food, clean water and energy through sustainable land management. Through partnerships, the Convention’s 197 parties also set up robust systems to proactively manage drought risks. Good land stewardship based on sound policy and science helps integrate and accelerate achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, builds resilience to climate change, and prevents biodiversity loss.About Bussiness 4 Land (B4L)B4L is the UNCCD’s main initiative to engage the private sector in sustainable land and water management. It helps companies and financial institutions manage risks and seize opportunities tied to land degradation and drought. B4L aims to restore 1.5 billion hectares of land by 2030, contributing to Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN), a global commitment to achieve net zero land degradation by 2030, as well as enhancing drought resilience.

UNCCD COP16: Advocating for Sustainable Land Management on Agri-Food Systems DayJournalists are invited to attend Day 4 of COP16, which focuses on how resilient crops and healthy soils can drive global food security and sustainable development. The day will spotlight innovative strategies and global action to advance sustainable land management through agri-food system transformation.Key EventsWrapping up a COP year: The Role of Agrifood Systems Across the Three Rio ConventionsWhen: 8:00–8:45Where: MET-33This event will set the tone for Agri-food Systems Day, focusing on the transformation toward more sustainable, resilient and inclusive agri-food systems. It will discuss the restoration of agricultural land to achieve multiple co-benefits, including food security, Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN), carbon storage, and biodiversity. The session aims to enhance the interlinkages between the three Rio Conventions, soil and water restoration and strategies for scaling impactful actions globally.World Soil Day CelebrationWhen: 10:30–11:30Where: MET-33A live stream of the World Soil Day celebration from Bangkok (Thailand) observing its 10th anniversary, followed by a panel discussion led by World Food Prize 2020 recipient Prof. Rattan Lal. The panel will focus on the current status and challenges facing global soils, emphasizing the urgent need for action to preserve and restore soil health.High-Level Interactive Dialogue on Sustainable, Resilient and Inclusive Agri-Food SystemsWhen: 13:00–15:00Where: MET-33A high-level, interactive, multi-stakeholder dialogue that will discuss the contributions of governments and non-state actors to catalyze the transformation toward sustainable, resilient, and inclusive agri-food systems. The session will launch the Agri-Food Systems component of the Riyadh Action Agenda and outline a collaborative pathway to meet the UNCCD’s land degradation neutrality commitments.Other Press EventsWorld Soil Day Press Conference and Daily BriefingWhen: 12:30-13:00Where: MET-17Speakers:Juan-Carlos Mendoza, IFAD Director Environment, Climate, Gender and Social Inclusion DivisionAbdulhakim Elwaer, FAO Assistant Director-GeneralLifeng Li, FAO Director of Land and WaterWorld Soil Day (WSD) is held annually on 5 December to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil and advocating for the sustainable management of soil resources. The theme for this year is "Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage," which underscores the importance of accurate soil data and information to understand soil characteristics and support informed decision making on sustainable soil management for food security.This press conference is held in conjunction with the daily briefing for journalists at UNCCD COP16.Media AccreditationAll journalists must be accredited to attend. Accreditation can be completed through the Online Registration System (ORS). Additional information, including the full agenda and session details, is available on the COP16 website.For inquiries, contact press@unccd.intKey resources Press releases and other media materials from COP16 updated daily hereUNCCD COP16 Trello Board, including branding guidelines and key messagesUNCCD COP16 websiteHost country website COP16 conference app available in the Apple app store and Google PlayUN WebTV – live broadcast of key plenary sessions with live interpretation in all six UN languages.Press and media kitSocial media kitPhoto assets – Flickr and Earth Negotiation Bulletin Press Conference Schedule Future Key COP16 Events for Media 6 December: Launch of the Primer on Urban-Rural Linkages and Land9 December: Launch of the Global Aridity Trends Report
