The theme of COP16, held during the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, highlights the urgent need to address the challenges posed by drylands. As global climate shifts threaten the ecosystems of these areas, their significance for climate adaptation and mitigation becomes ever more crucial. Drylands, which cover 41% of the Earth’s surface, are home to over two billion people and provide essential resources, including food and water, for countless communities. However, these fragile ecosystems are facing increasing pressures from desertification, biodiversity loss, and climate change—challenges that must be met with targeted solutions.
Dryland Forests and Their Significance for Climate Action
On December 6, 2024, an important side event titled “Significance of Dryland Forests for Achieving Land Degradation Neutrality, Combating Biodiversity Loss, and Climate Change” will highlight the role of dryland forests in combating these global challenges. The event is being organized by the UN Forum on Forests (UNFF) Secretariat and the National Centre for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) of Saudi Arabia, aiming to spotlight the need for sustainable management of dryland forests.
Drylands are highly vulnerable to climate change, but they also offer an opportunity for climate mitigation, especially through forest restoration. Dryland forests help stabilize ecosystems, support livelihoods, and contribute to the global fight against land degradation and desertification. These forests also play a key role in storing carbon, helping mitigate the effects of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
The speakers at this event include experts such as Mr. Hosny El Lakany from the University of British Columbia, Ms. Rahma Jrais from King Khalid University, and Mr. Fritjof Boerstler from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN. These keynote speakers will provide insights into the ecological, economic, and cultural importance of dryland forests and discuss sustainable management practices that can address the pressures faced by these ecosystems. Their talks will also touch on how dryland forests contribute to the achievement of global frameworks such as the three Rio Conventions and the UN Strategic Plan for Forests 2017-2030.
Why Drylands Are Key to Climate Adaptation
Drylands are increasingly critical in the fight against climate change, and their adaptation potential cannot be overlooked. As climate scientists predict an expansion of global drylands by up to 10% by the end of the century, with a disproportionate impact on developing countries, it becomes essential to focus on sustainable adaptation strategies.
Drylands are uniquely adapted to extreme climatic variability, with species like the African elephant and Bactrian camel having evolved remarkable physiological traits. Similarly, human populations in drylands have developed resource management strategies to cope with highly variable water availability. However, climate change is intensifying these challenges, particularly through altered rainfall patterns, droughts, and land degradation. Drylands are particularly vulnerable to desertification, which can accelerate land degradation and exacerbate environmental, social, and economic vulnerabilities.
The expansion of drylands could have profound consequences for food systems. Grasslands in drylands produce a significant portion of the world’s milk and meat and provide sustenance for over one billion people. Disruptions to these ecosystems will therefore impact food security, especially in regions already struggling with poverty and limited access to reliable water resources.
The Role of Dryland Restoration in Mitigating Climate Change
Investing in the restoration of dryland ecosystems is a cost-effective strategy for addressing climate change. By enhancing soil health, increasing vegetation cover, and restoring ecological functions, drylands can improve their capacity to store carbon and water. This, in turn, boosts the resilience of local communities to climate impacts such as droughts and extreme temperatures.
Restoration efforts must incorporate local knowledge and respect traditional governance systems, which have long supported the resilience of dryland communities. For example, adaptive strategies such as planting drought-tolerant crops, water-efficient farming practices, and maintaining livestock mobility are vital components of effective adaptation in dryland regions. Engaging communities in these practices through locally grounded policy processes is essential for successful outcomes.
Collaborative Solutions and International Cooperation
At COP16, discussions will also center on collaborative approaches to enhance conservation and sustainable management of dryland forests. This includes addressing the needs of low-forest-cover countries, strengthening international partnerships, and mobilizing resources to protect dryland ecosystems. A moderated debate will explore these opportunities, ensuring that drylands remain central to global climate action strategies.
The event’s outcomes will inform future UNFF sessions, ensuring that the protection and restoration of dryland forests continue to be prioritized in the global climate agenda. This focus is critical for advancing land degradation neutrality and achieving long-term climate resilience.
The Path Forward for Drylands
COP16 offers a critical platform for discussing the future of drylands in the context of climate change. As these areas face heightened risks from desertification and shifting climates, it is essential to recognize their unique potential for both adaptation and mitigation. By integrating local knowledge, fostering international cooperation, and investing in ecosystem restoration, the world can better protect drylands, improve livelihoods, and reduce global emissions.
Climate Insider Notes:
- Drylands cover 41% of the Earth’s surface and are home to over two billion people.
- Climate change threatens drylands with expanded desertification and altered rainfall patterns.
- Dryland forests play a critical role in sequestering carbon and enhancing ecosystem resilience.
- Restoration of drylands offers cost-effective mitigation solutions and strengthens local economies.
- Collaborative efforts, including respecting local governance structures, are key to successful adaptation strategies.
Featured Image: Credit: WWF
