Sixteenth Conference of Parties (COP16) was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Current Context: The sixteenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) was held on December 2, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

• It was organized by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and chaired by Mr. Ibrahim Thiam, Executive Secretary of UNCCD.
• The theme was "Our Land. Our Future."
• The aim was to address urgent global crises of land degradation, desertification, and drought, focusing on sustainable land management and drought resilience.
• Here are some highlights:
• Land Degradation and Forced Migration: The summit emphasized the severe consequences of land degradation, which affects 40% of global agricultural land. Speakers highlighted how desertification disrupts ecosystems, forces migration, and fuels conflicts.
• Global Action and Funding Gaps: The summit called for global action to restore degraded land through initiatives like the Great Green Wall. However, funding gaps remain a significant barrier to achieving sustainable solutions.
• India's Efforts: Union Minister Bhupender Yadav outlined India's efforts in land restoration and drought resilience, emphasizing the country's commitment to restoring 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030.
• Diriyah's Sustainability Projects: Diriyah Company showcased its pioneering projects aimed at sustainability and environmental preservation, including over 6.5 million indigenous trees planted and comprehensive sewage treatment facilities.

Question:

1 What percentage of global agricultural land is affected by land degradation, as highlighted in COP16?

• A) 40%
• B) 30%
• C) 25%
• D) 50%

Answer: A) COP16 emphasized that 40% of global agricultural land is impacted by land degradation, underscoring the urgency of taking action to mitigate its effects.