RIYADH: Desertification and drought are among the most pressing environmental challenges faced by the world, Saudi Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Osama Faqeeha has said. In a statement marking the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, the minister said land degradation affected up to 40 percent of the world’s land area, resulting in the annual loss of 100 million hectares of healthy land, Saudi Press Agency reported. Emphasizing the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainable land management, Faqeeha said: “Desertification, land degradation and drought are among the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. This year’s 30th anniversary of the UNCCD coincides with COP16, which is expected to be a pivotal moment for land restoration and sustainable management. Together, we can turn the tide and restore our land. Our future depends on our ability to manage our land sustainably.” He added that land degradation meant the world lost an area of healthy land equivalent to four football fields every second. “Healthy land is essential for our future. Let’s unite for sustainable land management,” he said. Saudi Arabia has been at the forefront of driving global efforts to combat land degradation and drought. Programs such as the Saudi Green Initiative and various land restoration projects were highlighted as models for sustainable development. The minister said the initiatives not only contributed to environmental sustainability, but also aimed to create economic opportunities and improve the quality of life for communities. The 30th Desertification and Drought Day was hosted by Germany and concluded this week. UNCCD Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw said: “This year, we focus on sharing the wisdom of our ancestors with future generations. More than a billion young people under the age of 25 in developing countries depend on land and natural resources. They are key to transforming their communities and driving innovation in sustainable land management”. Key highlights of the event included a presentation of the new cohort of UNCCD Land Heroes and the unveiling of the UNCCD Youth Engagement Strategy and the Land Youth Negotiators Program. These initiatives empower young people to transform land management practices and engage in policy-making processes, especially ahead of the upcoming UNCCD COP16 negotiations which will take place in Riyadh from Dec. 2 to 13.