COP16 Opens in Riyadh with Focus on Combating Land Degradation

COP16 officially kicked off in Riyadh with a grand opening ceremony and discussions focused on addressing the severe degradation and desertification of vast land areas. The event follows a stark warning from scientists about the unsustainable practices of farming and deforestation, which are exacerbating environmental challenges. 

. Ibrahim Thiaw, UNCCD Executive Secretary said "We found ourselves caught in a vicious cycle that we must break. We can only achieve this if we move beyond the silos that hinder our collective action and if we adopt a holistic approach that recognizes the constant interaction between desertification, biodiversity loss, and the acceleration of climate change." 

The talks aim to find solutions to halt the destructive impact on ecosystems and promote more sustainable land management practices.