UNEP Pavilion at UNCCD COP16

1330-1530 hrs 

The GEF 8 Great Green Wall Programme Contribution to the 2030 Targets of the GGW

As the impacts of climate change continue impacting the resource base threatening livelihoods, and the insecurities and conflicts persist, the futures remain uncertain. The challenges are current but also historical, and their impacts on the integrity of institutional, policy and governance systems cannot be downplayed. Combined, they have a role in the ability of countries within the GGW region to: 

1. take advantage of the untapped potentials and opportunities; and
2. respond to the debilitating impacts of environmental challenges on the region’s socioeconomic gains. 

Within this region of fragilities and vulnerabilities, countries continue working to respond to environmental challenges that continue to threaten socioeconomic gains, peace and security. In collaboration and with support from different development partners, there are regional as well as national-level projects and programs that support governments’ efforts to respond to the challenges of environmental degradation, insecurity, famine and food insecurity, water scarcity, migration, gender issues, among others. 

TBD

1000–1130 hrs

The Sooty Falcon: Habitat Restoration for a Desert Specialist

The Sooty Falcon, a medium-sized migratory falcon, is uniquely adapted to thrive in desolate desert environments. It breeds in the arid landscapes of West Asia and North Africa, including Egypt, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Libya, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and extends to Red Sea islands, Eritrea, Yemen, Oman, and Qatar. Its wintering grounds are predominantly in Madagascar. An International Action Plan is currently under preparation, emphasizing the critical role of international cooperation. The species is highly sensitive to disturbances at breeding sites, but habitat restoration efforts are proving effective, particularly by enhancing food availability. This session will explore the ecological significance of the Sooty Falcon, its unique habitat needs, and ongoing conservation initiatives that align with broader desert restoration goals.

1300–1430 hrs

Nature-Based Solutions for Peace: Emerging Practice and Options for Policymakers

Drawing upon real world examples, lessons learned and best-practices, the event will highlight the potential of nature-based solutions (NbS) to build peace and climate resilience in conflict-affected and fragile contexts, and advocate for increased policy coordination and ultimately, financing for NbS as a practical solution for addressing related priorities of climate adaptation, ecosystem restoration and peacebuilding in insecure contexts.

1030-1200 hrs 

Role of academic institutions in preventing land degradation and promoting societal resilience

In line with the directions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Vision 2030, and the joint and ongoing cooperation between the Ministry of Environment and Water and the United Nations Environment Programme. The involvement of the academic and research sector contributes to stimulating sustainability research which will provide applied solutions to environmental challenges, as well as enriching academic environmental education programs, and leading societal behavioral change towards sustainable environmental practices.

This symposium is organized with the aim of shedding light on the influential roles that academic and research institutions can contribute to reducing land degradation and combating desertification, which enhances the goals and programs of environmental sustainability in the Kingdom.

0900–1015 hrs 

High-level Event on “Policy Coherence for Water-Agriculture-Environment in the MENA Region”

Recognizing the need for a more holistic approach to the water-agriculture-environment nexus in the Arab region, UNEP, UN Development Programme, and the Food and Agriculture Organization have jointly prepared a position paper on Policy Coherence for Water-Agriculture-Environment in the MENA Region. This paper provides member states with a strategic framework to tackle the urgent challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and unsustainable resource management. It identifies five key action areas for policy coherence, namely Land Restoration, Water Management, Food Waste Reduction and Circular Economy, Climate Change Adaptation and Drought Resilience, and Agrobiodiversity Conservation. Notably, this position paper was endorsed by the Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for the Environment in its 35th meeting, under Resolution No. 657.

1030–1200 hrs

Strengthening synergy among the Rio Conventions: Integrating Indigenous Knowledge for Biodiversity and Land Management /Report on CBD CoP16 decisions on Art. 8J and other provisions related to Indigenous peoples and local communities

The interconnected challenges of biodiversity loss, land degradation, and climate change necessitate a cohesive and coordinated response from global stakeholders. The Rio Conventions- namely the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification - provide a comprehensive framework for addressing these overlapping issues.

Recognizing the significant outcomes from CBD CoP16, particularly regarding Article 8(j) and other provisions concerning Indigenous peoples and local communities, it is imperative to enhance the synergy among these conventions. Indigenous and local communities play a vital role in sustainable land management and biodiversity conservation, and their traditional knowledge is essential for developing effective solutions to the pressing environmental challenges of our time.

1545–1700 hrs

UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Your ideas for the next 5 years!

Since its launch with World Environment Day in 2021, the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration has reached hundreds of millions of people. It has catapulted “ecosystem restoration” from a niche subject to a trending topic. Today, the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration unites 280 partners, 17 UN World Restoration Flagships with a goal to restore 200 million hectares, and a range of thematic interventions across sectors – from the Freshwater Challenge to Generation Restoration Cities. Join this session for an interactive exchange on what’s next for the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.

1800–1930 hrs

MEAs Synergies for Strengthened Environmental Governance: Insights from the Bern III Conference

Strengthened multilateralism is a key to successful implementation of the United National Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) objectives and the objectives of other global agendas such as Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). Recognizing the valuable role of UNCCD in delivering the goals and targets of KMGBF such as for Target 2 on restoration, there are visibly mutual benefits for land restoration and combating desertification and achieving the objectives of the convention.

This side event goes broader than Rio Conventions synergies, aiming to share practical solutions concluded at the Bern III Conference on Cooperation among the relevant multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) for the implementation of the KMGBF, that highlighted interlinkages of cooperation among 16 relevant conventions from biodiversity, pollution and climate change clusters and co-benefits for land restoration. It will highlight efforts from UNCCD and other MEAs on how they can collaborate and contribute to integrated approaches and practical solutions in implementation at the national level and building on the existing joint programmes and partnerships.

1000-1130 hrs 

Restoration for Resilience: Greening Beyond Borders with Evidence-Based Research

The event aims to highlight the crucial role of evidence-based research in advancing restoration initiatives while facilitating the transfer of knowledge and best practices among nations. By showcasing Saudi Arabia’s contributions and aligning these efforts with Vision 2030, the event will emphasize how global partnerships and innovative approaches can accelerate progress toward ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation.

1530-1700 hrs 

The Role of Indigenous People, local communities on Ecosystem Restoration

This session will highlight the crucial role of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in ecosystem restoration and sustainable land management. It will explore the opportunities and challenges of partnering with these communities, emphasizing the need to safeguard land and resource rights. These partnerships are key to achieving the goals of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and the Global Biodiversity Framework. By sharing global lessons, the session aims to inspire strategies for advancing restoration and fostering inclusive governance at national and global levels.

TBD

TBD

TBD

TBD

TBD