RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has outlined the latest developments and challenges facing the world in combating land degradation at a global summit in Rome. A Saudi delegation led by the CEO of the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, Khaled Alabdulkader, took part in the scientific event organized by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. The delegation also highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts and readiness to host the 16th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification and Land Degradation, scheduled to be held in Riyadh in December, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday. The Saudi team included representatives from the National Center for Environmental Compliance; the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture; and several government bodies concerned with desertification; as well as the Kingdom’s permanent representative to the FAO, Mohammed Al-Ghamdi. The delegation thanked the organization and the participating members for highlighting the importance of land restoration at the FAO headquarters and for the support it provides for COP16. It also welcomed everyone to be part of the global change to combat land degradation by attending COP16 in Riyadh. Other speakers highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts to restore ecosystems, as well as its forest and dryland initiatives, which are part of its preparations to host COP16. They also reviewed the Saudi and Middle East Green initiatives and their expected results in reducing land degradation, which has affected about 30 percent of the land area according to the latest international statistics. Speakers pointed out the diversity of the Kingdom’s terrain and natural resources, which face many environmental challenges. They explained that the Saudi Green Initiative operates based on long-term plans to address desertification, land degradation, and sand encroachment, adding that the Middle East Green Initiative will restore an area of 200 million hectares in 20 countries.