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Panelists at the the Restoration Pavilion during the event on digital technologies for forecasting along the margins of UNCCD COP16, on 10 December 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Photo credit: UNCCD/G20 Global Land Initiative

Six impactful discussions underscored the critical need for collaboration and innovation to combat the escalating challenges of land degradation, water scarcity, and climate change, on the penultimate day of the Restoration Pavilion events at UNCCD COP16.

The sessions spotlighted innovative approaches to land restoration, particularly emphasizing the transboundary nature of drought and land degradation as well as the important role of citizen science in gathering actionable data.

A common thread across these discussions was the acknowledgment that land and climate challenges do not respect borders, which means transboundary cooperation and grassroots involvement are indispensable.

During the event titled, Reviving the Earth: Digital Transformation in Combatting Desertification and Water Challenges, experts showcased how artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools are revolutionizing land and water management.

The technologies are improving monitoring, prediction and sustainable decision-making, with applications ranging from flood forecasting to early warning systems.

Experts emphasized the urgent need for regional cooperation to address sand and dust storms during the session titled, Building Resilience Against Transboundary Sand and Dust Storms: Lessons from Iraq and Kuwait.

The case studies highlighted successful initiatives like reforestation and sustainable land management, which have proven effective in mitigating these challenges across borders.

Discussions around Building a Resilient Future: Integrating Science, Technology, and Innovation for Climate Adaptation focused on bridging scientific research with practical solutions, showcasing AI’s transformative potential in disaster resilience planning and flood forecasting. 

The ecoprenuers at the Soil, Farming, Mine Restoration, Community event addressed the role of soil health and land restoration in combating desertification. They shared community-driven approaches for restoring ecosystems affected by mining and intensive farming practices.

Water Savings in Urban Farming: Perspectives from the Dry Arab Region illustrated how water scarcity is impacting urban agriculture. Panelists presented innovative strategies to optimize water use to ensure food security in the region’s arid climates. 

The role of local communities in restoration efforts was the focus of the event on  Empowering Communities through Citizen Science and Monitoring. The speakers demonstrated how citizen-driven data collection strengthens monitoring and fosters inclusive climate solutions.

As the Restoration Pavilion enters its final day on 11 December 2024, participants, both in-person and online, can anticipate another round of dynamic discussions, solutions-focused exchanges and the launch of an global award aiming to recognize and reward land stewards.