RIYADH: The State of Qatar is participating in the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) which is taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from Dec 2 to 13.
The State of Qatar's delegation is chaired by Minister of Environment and Climate Change HE Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie.
The Minister of Environment and Climate Change participated in the ministerial dialogue on drought resilience, held under the title 'From Geneva to Riyadh and beyond: Enhancing global and national policy instruments for a proactive drought management approach'. The ministerial dialogue highlight the urgent need for innovative approaches to address the systemic impacts of drought.
In his speech at the ministerial dialogue, Dr Al Subaie emphasized the State of Qatar's commitment to contributing actively to global efforts to enhance resilience to drought.
He stressed the importance of strengthening international cooperation to set comprehensive development tools, policies, and programs focused on drought prevention and adaptation, in addition to highlighting the need for a proactive approach to shift from crisis management to preventive management, which could be done by putting in place early warning systems and evidence-based national plans.
Dr Al Subaie called for investing in innovation and technology, supporting research, and adopting modern technologies to enhance the ability to predict drought and manage natural resources efficiently. He also emphasized the importance of involving communities in the design and implementation of drought-related programs in order to ensure the sustainability of solutions and increase local resilience.
Furthermore, he called for the creation of sustainable financing mechanisms and support for projects aimed at adapting to drought and rehabilitating degraded lands.
DrAl Subaie noted that the State of Qatar has made significant efforts in combating desertification through a range of projects and initiatives focusing on environmental sustainability and natural resource management.
The Minister of Environment and Climate Change pointed out that the country has designated about 27 percent of its land as nature reserves, in addition to establishing a rainwater harvesting project, with the aim of preserving natural groundwater, establishing water treatment and recycling plants, and developing agricultural irrigation techniques using modern technology, all of which have improved water consumption efficiency.
He also noted that the country has implemented effective policies to regulate water use in development projects, aiming to achieve a sustainable balance between economic development and environmental conservation.
COP16 is the largest meeting of the parties to UNCCD, seeking to find solutions to environmental challenges threatening the planet, intensifying efforts to combat land degradation, mitigating the impacts of drought, and mobilizing resources to find effective solutions for rehabilitating millions of hectares of degraded lands and reducing drought. It also supports decision-makers and encourages the role of the private sector and civil society organizations in protecting the environment and preserving natural resources.