RIYADH: The region of the Middle East and North Africa is known for its hot, dry climate and scarce water resources. Harsh climatic conditions are a contributing factor to the perennial scourge of drought, desertification and land degradation in the region.
These challenges result in imbalances in various ecosystems, particularly damaging the agricultural sector and imposing economic hardship on local populations. The growing importance of this regional issue has been a motivating factor for Saudi Arabia to hold regular discussions.
This week, Environment Week, has been an opportunity to take stock of the challenges ahead and the progress made so far. Events organized during Environment Week highlighted Saudi Arabia’s leadership role in environmental protection and sustainable development.
Desertification, the process by which fertile land turns into dry desert, is a significant challenge facing countries in the Middle East and North Africa. (Shutterstock)
Environmentalists were given a platform to exchange views on a range of topics, with an emphasis on naturally occurring drought, desertification and land degradation. On this occasion, Arab News interviewed Ibrahim Thiaw, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Riyadh.
“The frequency of challenges for humanity has become extremely difficult to deal with,” he said. “Saudi Arabia is certainly playing a very important role. “This is not a small economy, so the demand for support from Saudi Arabia is also increasing.”
Ibrahim Thiaw, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. AN Photo by AN Abdulrahman Alnajim
Thiaw talked about some of the consequences of land degradation and drought such as increased irregular migration due to land degradation and drought. “You will probably see more competition for land and water and therefore more conflict,” he said.
Drought is a major problem in many countries in the Middle East, which, along with rising temperatures, has put pressure on water resources. Due to decreasing rainfall and increasing evaporation rates, both surface water and groundwater reserves are failing.
A photo shows a view of the dry bed of the Al-Kalal River in the city of Badra near the Iran border on August 28, 2023. Iraq’s drought refers to a decline in the levels of waterways due to lack of rain. and downstream flows from upper neighboring countries Iran and Türkiye. (AFP)
As a result, rivers and lakes are drying up and water scarcity has become a serious problem. Additionally, due to a number of environmental factors, including drought, the region has been subject to frequent sandstorms.
“There are about 50 countries that are sources of dust storms, but there are 150 countries that are affected by this phenomenon. Therefore, it has become a global issue,” Thiaw said, speaking about the impact of dust storms in one country on another.
“You can use one country to shine a light on dust storms, but this is a global phenomenon that we all need to address. To do this, you need global treaties like the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, which currently has 197 parties. So, it is a universal body and it has a summit, a meeting every two years.
Infographic from the Global Drought Snapshot 2023 report of the International Drought Resilience Coalition and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.
“The next meeting will take place here in Riyadh in December 2024, where 197 countries will come together for discussions at the level of heads of state, at the level of ministers and at the level of experts, communities and NGOs and civil society organisations. That is all, namely the consequences of land degradation and drought on the lives and livelihoods of communities.”
Furthermore, experts point out that drought and desertification affect each other. Desertification, the process by which fertile land turns into dry desert, is another significant challenge facing countries in the Middle East and North Africa. Unsustainable farming practices, overgrazing, deforestation and soil erosion all contribute to the problem.
Infographic from the Global Drought Snapshot 2023 report of the International Drought Resilience Coalition and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.
As a result, cultivable land is destroyed and food production decreases, leading to serious food insecurity. According to Thiaw, desertification also leads to the displacement of communities, as people are forced to migrate in search of more habitable areas.
Speaking to Arab News on the occasion of Environment Week in Riyadh, Elizabeth Marma, Deputy Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme, offered her views on the desertification crisis.
Elizabeth Marma, Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme. (supply)
“As far as Saudi Arabia is concerned, the country has clearly seen its impact and has taken it as a priority for this year. I say ‘this year’ because Saudi Arabia led the initiative to tackle degradation at the UN Environment Assembly in late February. It was passed and adopted, and it was on a global scale,” Marema said.
“Also, this country will host World Environment Day next month, on June 5. This day is celebrated every year. It is global because it was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. This year it is being hosted by Saudi Arabia.
“This year Saudi Arabia will host the United Nations conference to combat desertification. It will be organized here again on the theme ‘Our Land, Our Future’, with the focus being on land.
Infographic from the Global Drought Snapshot 2023 report of the International Drought Resilience Coalition and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.
Additionally, the combination of drought and desertification in one region leads to land degradation, further exacerbating the Middle East’s environmental crisis. Soil erosion, salinization and depletion of soil nutrients are some of the consequences of land degradation.
As agricultural productivity declines worldwide, farmers face major challenges in securing their livelihoods, in addition to environmental problems increasing ecosystem vulnerability, leading to biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation. There is also an imbalance.
“Saudi Arabia is showing the world that this is a global issue. The initiatives taken by the government in recent years demonstrate its commitment in tackling these issues,” Marema said.
Saudi Green Initiative Day reflects Saudi Arabia’s vision and dedication to promoting a culture of sustainability (SPA).
“I look at Saudi Vision 2030, I look at the 2018 environmental strategies, I look at the Saudi Green Initiative. I look forward to the Middle East Green Initiative with a commitment to plant 50 billion trees regionally, 10 of which Saudi Arabia has committed to planting in this country. “And not commit in words, but set up an institution to lead the way to make sure that happens.”
Tackling the three challenges of drought, desertification and land degradation in the Middle East requires a multi-pronged approach. Thiaw and Mrema were of the view that governments, international organizations and local communities need to work together to implement sustainable water management strategies, promote efficient irrigation technologies and invest in renewable energy sources.
Additionally, he said, reforestation efforts and protection of natural habitats can help reduce desertification and land degradation.
Raising awareness of the importance of sustainable land use practices and supporting affected communities is an important step towards long-term solutions for both the Middle East and North Africa region and the world.
In short, countries in the Middle East and North Africa are suffering from the effects of increasing drought, desertification and land degradation. Urgent action is needed to reverse this trend and ensure regional environmental sustainability.
By adopting sustainable practices, investing in water management and promoting conservation actions, communities in the region will be able to reduce the severity of these challenges and assure themselves of a more resilient future.